tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49185128043366965442018-03-15T07:39:34.225-05:00Happily Mother AfterLauren Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-51294074662491310212015-04-07T17:31:00.001-05:002015-04-08T12:31:47.329-05:00Rock Hunting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hunted for rocks this Easter. Yes, rocks. &nbsp;And it was so much more fun and valuable then any Easter egg hunt I've ever been a part of!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend <a href="http://dailydelivered.blogspot.com/">Vanessa</a>, who obviously knows me well, sent me {<a href="http://ohamanda.com/2013/03/25/meaningful-easter-basket-gifts-for-christian-resurrection-day">this</a>} link about a family who filled their baskets with rocks before Easter. I loved the symbolism so much that I had to steal her idea and take my family rock hunting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We grabbed Brody and Adelyn's baskets {and some target bags to keep the cloth liners from getting too dirty). Then we set out on a long bike ride around our neighborhood, scoping every spot we thought might have some rocks the perfect size for their basket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsJBkS7glIU/VSRJoQaKrVI/AAAAAAAAMrM/gM608Nw4-D8/s1600/img_5152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsJBkS7glIU/VSRJoQaKrVI/AAAAAAAAMrM/gM608Nw4-D8/s1600/img_5152.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tz7hYOV-zIY/VSRJvhcRHII/AAAAAAAAMrY/CJvPJrA7JpE/s1600/img_5158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tz7hYOV-zIY/VSRJvhcRHII/AAAAAAAAMrY/CJvPJrA7JpE/s1600/img_5158.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The kids followed their Daddy like little ducklings most of the time as Jonathan {ever so secretly} put rocks in their paths to find.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-xhDsfxSx8/VSRJbwW4i8I/AAAAAAAAMq0/0YcJbc-GDCU/s1600/img_5167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-xhDsfxSx8/VSRJbwW4i8I/AAAAAAAAMq0/0YcJbc-GDCU/s1600/img_5167.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our neighborhood has a lot of playgrounds which occasionally proved to be a huge distraction to the mission, but it only made for more fun and memories of our great adventure.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PGrtlW27Ok/VSRJiXSuWpI/AAAAAAAAMq8/UbMfJqj5Wl0/s1600/img_5172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PGrtlW27Ok/VSRJiXSuWpI/AAAAAAAAMq8/UbMfJqj5Wl0/s1600/img_5172.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Once we found enough rocks to fill up each of their baskets we took our rocks home and explained to the kids why we had them hunting for rocks. The rocks represent our sins. We talked about what sin is and all the different ways we sin each and every day. Brody wrote {Adelyn scribbled} those sins on his rocks: <i>lying, cheating, stealing, disobeying parents, etc.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vg6Ds14r88/VSRJn7a-DcI/AAAAAAAAMrE/-6e7KG8aA1E/s1600/img_5182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vg6Ds14r88/VSRJn7a-DcI/AAAAAAAAMrE/-6e7KG8aA1E/s1600/img_5182.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We talked about how much fun we had hunting for rocks and how sin can often be very fun too...at first. But, if we allow it to overtake our hearts it can become a heavy burden to bear and weigh our hearts down, just like the baskets were hard to carry once they started to fill up with rocks.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then we talked about how Jesus came down to earth to die on the cross and take away the weight of our sins. He took our sins out of our baskets and put them all in his basket. He took the heavy burden away from us; and if we believe in him and trust him as our Savior then we will see him one day in heaven along with everyone else who believes.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhL2a9BX2u4/VSRJuyNMYII/AAAAAAAAMrU/ni7Xf5DykiE/s1600/img_5194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhL2a9BX2u4/VSRJuyNMYII/AAAAAAAAMrU/ni7Xf5DykiE/s1600/img_5194.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So, the kids left their baskets full of rocks that night. The next morning, Easter Sunday, they awoke to see their baskets had been emptied of their rocks and replaced with gifts. Their rocks {sins} were now in Jesus' basket.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnT-KaOCg2k/VSRQyukzDqI/AAAAAAAAMr0/qBHUA8GU5-c/s1600/img_5197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnT-KaOCg2k/VSRQyukzDqI/AAAAAAAAMr0/qBHUA8GU5-c/s1600/img_5197.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The gifts in their baskets {from "The Easter Bunny"...because we can still have fun!} serve to represent the sacrifice Jesus made for us over 2,000 years ago and the gift of salvation he offers to us if we just trust in him. He is the greatest gift and the true reason we celebrate Easter. The eggs, the bunny, the candy, and the new clothes are all fun but we are missing the true joy of Easter if we do not set our hearts and our focus on Jesus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8EbyXC-faw/VSRJw_HyrnI/AAAAAAAAMrk/wBYcj6ybAW8/s1600/img_5211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8EbyXC-faw/VSRJw_HyrnI/AAAAAAAAMrk/wBYcj6ybAW8/s1600/img_5211.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This year was extra special to us as it was Brody's first year to really be able to celebrate the true meaning of Easter with us. He prayed and accepted Christ as his Savior this past October 20th {2014}. &nbsp;After many, many questions and long discussions about what we believe, he decided he too wanted to ask Jesus to come into his heart. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was tough for Jonathan and I to accept he was ready...and to be honest we kept him from praying the prayer several times much earlier in the year. Jonathan and I were both saved at a young age; and while we both believe our decisions were pure and true, we have learned so much over the years and have really grown {and continue to grow} into a full heart-knowledge of what it means to surrender our lives to him and trust him above all else. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br /><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br /><script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, it was hard to let our 5 year old make that decision...knowing he didn't know what we have come to know over 25+ years in the faith. But, we had to remind ourselves that obtaining salvation in Christ is simple:&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>A</b></span>dmit you are a sinner.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">{<i><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a></i>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">B</span></b>elieve Jesus is God's only son and he came to earth to die on the cross for our sins.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">{<i><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a> and <a href="http://biblehub.com/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a></i>}&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>C</b></span>onfess and repent that you are a sinner in need of a savior...and come to Jesus by faith, knowing you cannot work your way into heaven. You are already forgiven and the gift of eternal life in heaven is already yours...all you have to do is accept it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">{<i><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/10-9.htm">Romans 10:9</a> and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2:8-9">Ephesians 2:8-9</a></i>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While the A, B, C's of salvation are the "fire insurance policy" to get you into heaven and keep you from hell, it takes time and maturity to learn to truly commit your life to him and trust God's will and plan for our life is so much better than any plans of our own.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We know this. We live this. Now we are trusting that Brody took out his "fire insurance policy" back in October, and we are praying he will grow to follow Jesus and serve him by serving others.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/"><br /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Sharing with&nbsp;<a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/">Things I Can't Say</a></div></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-45211942416839134532015-02-21T00:30:00.000-06:002015-03-11T13:35:38.909-05:00Creating Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZbB3Jd4qzI/VOeaQR-Mz2I/AAAAAAAAMnc/_40Bmxo4nj0/s1600/JHP-83.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZbB3Jd4qzI/VOeaQR-Mz2I/AAAAAAAAMnc/_40Bmxo4nj0/s1600/JHP-83.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></div><br />RUSHING! I'm always rushing.<br /><br />And I've always been late...to everything. No matter how hard I try, I cannot be on time. Something always happens and I end up&nbsp;<strike>strolling</strike> running in after everyone else has arrived and settled in. &nbsp;I was late even before I had kids, but now that I have kids...oh my! &nbsp;It's so bad that anyone who truly knows me, knows to tell me to be somewhere 15 minutes earlier than they actually want me there...and they laugh as they watch me running in, still late and frazzled. <br /><br />Can anyone relate? Am I alone in this?<br /><br />I have a strong feeling I am not alone. <br /><br />For me, it's a matter of trying to cram everything I possibly can into my day.&nbsp; If I find I'm running ahead of schedule, instead of just leaving early I will try to fit one more thing in before I leave...which ends up making me late. I've known this about myself for a long time now.<br /><br />My husband has known this about me for even longer. He is always telling me to prioritize my "to-do" list {which is actually funny, coming from him} and allot realistic time into my schedule. &nbsp;I've always brushed off his advice, arguing that I am making the most of my time by getting as much done on my "to do" list as I possibly can.<br /><br />Pushing the limits. That's what I do.<br /><br />That is, until it finally occurred to me that the reason I keep stressing out and yelling at my kids {and regretting it later} is because I'm rushed for time...ALL THE TIME. Kids don't hustle. No matter how much I want them to hustle they won't. Instead, they can't find their shoes. They don't want to brush their teeth. The toddler who refuses to potty train has decided to soil her diaper right before it's time to go. &nbsp;They just look at me with glazed eyes when I tell them we are going to be late. Time is a foreign concept to them.<br /><br />So I've learned I can't depend on them to jump on board with my overwhelmed schedule. They aren't going to rush when I say we are late. &nbsp;No, quite the opposite. They are going to slow down the pace and watch with their "deer caught in the headlight" eyes as I explode. &nbsp;I have to allot time for their shenanigans, for their missing shoes, for the not-so-convenient dirty diapers, for the temper tantrums...<br /><br />And you know what I've found? We aren't as stressed. We laugh more. We connect more. They don't resist leaving the house as much. They can find their shoes when I'm not yelling like a drill sergeant. The temper tantrums? They still happen, but I can calmly divert attention to something else as we walk out of the house...with smiles on our faces.<br /><br />Am I always on time now? Yeah, right. <br /><br />But, we are working on it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://thingsicantsay.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pouryourheart1.png" /></a></div><br />Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-39996512778128612842015-02-16T21:30:00.000-06:002015-02-16T23:22:28.162-06:00Oh Shooooot!<div style="text-align: center;">We spent our Valentines day doing something unusual {at least for me}, but I loved every moment of it! My love language is definitely quality time, and there is nothing more quality than being out in nature with only the one you love by your side and your iPhone turned off...except to take pictures, of course!</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfCPo8vzHps/VOLODq-leMI/AAAAAAAAMnI/mxHMiTrPnhA/s1600/Valentines%2B2015%2Bfo%2Breal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfCPo8vzHps/VOLODq-leMI/AAAAAAAAMnI/mxHMiTrPnhA/s1600/Valentines%2B2015%2Bfo%2Breal.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Hope your Valentine's Day was just as quality! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-3514900637011240782014-06-16T16:40:00.000-05:002014-06-16T21:56:17.177-05:00A Father's Day Video Card from the Littles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For Father's Day this year, the kids and I made a special video card for Jonathan. Since Brody is only 5 years old and Adelyn is not quite 2 years old, I figured this would be a much better way to tell Jonathan how much the kids love him than buying a card and signing it from them. I think we nailed it too because he was tearing up while he watched it and then asked us to replay it. Success! It's looking like we have a new tradition. :)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='640' height='532' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/e0v9fHSdmwE?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And speaking of new traditions, I haven't shared the adorable new Mother's Day tradition that Jonathan started for me this year. He purchased a beautiful, handmade journal from our Fair Trade Market at church and had each of the kids design their own page for me. This way, instead of cards that are sure to get lost in the mix, I will have a journal with all of their Mother's Day messages compiled together throughout the years! I love how I will be able to see their writings and drawings change over the years to come. What a special present!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWqXdJszj34/U58ZtCeZHtI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/LOu-Rjy05gs/s1600/Desktop9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWqXdJszj34/U58ZtCeZHtI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/LOu-Rjy05gs/s1600/Desktop9.jpg" height="640" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-21120114379306518372014-05-14T06:00:00.000-05:002015-02-16T23:29:03.851-06:00Adelyn's {1st} Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Adelyn's 1st Birthday Party was so much fun to plan. As most of you know, one of my favorite things to do is plan a cute party. &nbsp;That's why I have a <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/p/birthday-party-link-up.html" target="_blank">Birthday Party Link-up Page</a> right here at Happily Mother After...and many of you have already linked up!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This party was, by far, one of my absolute favorites since it was my little girl's very first. Boy parties are fun to plan. I certainly enjoyed planning Brody's <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2011/05/its-that-time-of-year-again.html">Bug Party</a>, <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2011/06/brodys-2nd-birthday-party.html">Train Party</a>, and <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2013/06/brodys-airplane-party-plus-free.html">Airplane Party</a>; but there is something inside that makes me abundantly giddy when planning girly parties. I chose a lemonade-themed party for Adelyn's first, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always, the first order of business was to find a cute party invitation to set the mood. Thanks to Monica from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LemonadeDesignStudio?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Lemonade Design Studio</a>, I found the perfect invite for all of our guests. Monica captured the theme perfectly and was so easy to work with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRx8hd_-wug/U3Ld67sEPrI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/VSxJ61ziQ_4/s1600/Lemonade+Invitation+Lauren+Johnson+Sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRx8hd_-wug/U3Ld67sEPrI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/VSxJ61ziQ_4/s1600/Lemonade+Invitation+Lauren+Johnson+Sample.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LemonadeDesignStudio" target="_blank">Lemonade Design Studio</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I had a ton of leftover fabric from all of the <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2014/05/adelyns-first-year-week-by-week.html">weekly photos I took of Adelyn over the first year of her life</a>, I decided to put the scrap fabric to good use and incorporated it throughout the party as much as possible.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Xpb3TGezcY/U3JfpwnGB8I/AAAAAAAAI5c/dXfIeS7g14Q/s1600/img_3019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Xpb3TGezcY/U3JfpwnGB8I/AAAAAAAAI5c/dXfIeS7g14Q/s1600/img_3019.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNjxv8O3Be8/U3JeBruXNSI/AAAAAAAAI5A/S0_I6xV7kIM/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNjxv8O3Be8/U3JeBruXNSI/AAAAAAAAI5A/S0_I6xV7kIM/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jue_CUtg7SI/U3JdOYd4L0I/AAAAAAAAI4o/eYxSVu5mBys/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jue_CUtg7SI/U3JdOYd4L0I/AAAAAAAAI4o/eYxSVu5mBys/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4K7LW9QcAE/U3Jdx46QVRI/AAAAAAAAI44/ZiXw3cKtjHc/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4K7LW9QcAE/U3Jdx46QVRI/AAAAAAAAI44/ZiXw3cKtjHc/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />Though I can take credit for making most of the decorations at Adelyn's party, I cannot take credit for the most memorable and talked about item at the party. &nbsp;One of the biggest uses of all the fabrics was this quilt made by Kristy from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVintageClothespin">The Vintage Clothespin</a>. Kristy's Etsy shop is one of my favorites. Her work is flawless, and I would definitely use her again. &nbsp;I couldn't be happier with how Adelyn's keepsake quilt turned out. It's something we both will cherish for years to come. Plus, it made a great backdrop for Adelyn's first taste of cake!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE3x89vYLc4/U3Jfvc5LEjI/AAAAAAAAI5k/4L8a3k9_xr0/s1600/img_3032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE3x89vYLc4/U3Jfvc5LEjI/AAAAAAAAI5k/4L8a3k9_xr0/s1600/img_3032.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt created by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVintageClothespin" target="_blank">The Vintage Clothespin</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPGmBxEsjzk/U3Jf5KtHwhI/AAAAAAAAI50/HxostbnafiY/s1600/img_3077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPGmBxEsjzk/U3Jf5KtHwhI/AAAAAAAAI50/HxostbnafiY/s1600/img_3077.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />She was a little unsure of what to do with the birthday cake, but after a little persuading she cautiously dug in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1JUH8kl3XE/U3Jf8S50cXI/AAAAAAAAI58/7Mee9ykm9I8/s1600/img_3089_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1JUH8kl3XE/U3Jf8S50cXI/AAAAAAAAI58/7Mee9ykm9I8/s1600/img_3089_0001.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GBrxORf88k/U3JdgUOz6qI/AAAAAAAAI4w/vpQziua6oe4/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GBrxORf88k/U3JdgUOz6qI/AAAAAAAAI4w/vpQziua6oe4/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />And, of course, after your belly is full of birthday cake the only thing left to do is rip through some presents and make a huge mess.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjuqT7UJPuo/U3JgGK0Jz0I/AAAAAAAAI6M/tu1DPwJd-MU/s1600/img_3250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjuqT7UJPuo/U3JgGK0Jz0I/AAAAAAAAI6M/tu1DPwJd-MU/s1600/img_3250.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-351oQpZpybQ/U3JgK3aWygI/AAAAAAAAI6U/7yrdtnUSj0A/s1600/img_3266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-351oQpZpybQ/U3JgK3aWygI/AAAAAAAAI6U/7yrdtnUSj0A/s1600/img_3266.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />We are so thankful for family and friends that made this a very special birthday party for Adelyn. It was a bittersweet day of celebrating as we also said our final goodbyes {before moving to Texas} to some of the dearest people we have been blessed to call friends.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aEvgaizNFSk/U3JetgU6VTI/AAAAAAAAI5M/90h5p_fQazE/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aEvgaizNFSk/U3JetgU6VTI/AAAAAAAAI5M/90h5p_fQazE/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party4.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aL9BuMMGAJw/U3JfQNCzvCI/AAAAAAAAI5U/XyGOIcPSJbQ/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aL9BuMMGAJw/U3JfQNCzvCI/AAAAAAAAI5U/XyGOIcPSJbQ/s1600/Adelyn%2527s+First+Birthday+Party5.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br />Oh! And I cannot forget this precious birthday outfit my mom made for Adelyn's first birthday party. It, too, was made out of the scrap fabric from some of her <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2014/05/adelyns-first-year-week-by-week.html">weekly photos</a>. I am so blessed to have such a talented mother who, each year, is so willing to jump into the birthday-party-craziness with me! Love you, Mom!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpJcY_RvsVg/U3Jf0XkWw0I/AAAAAAAAI5s/7qOyGcj_BGs/s1600/img_3067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpJcY_RvsVg/U3Jf0XkWw0I/AAAAAAAAI5s/7qOyGcj_BGs/s1600/img_3067.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />The first year is always a blur with so many special moments to remember. That's why I wanted to capture as much as I could through pictures and keepsakes. &nbsp;My wish is that each of my children will enjoy reminiscing with me through this blog one day when they are older. &nbsp;They are both so very precious to me, and each moment that passes is something worth holding onto.<br /><br />Happy 1st Birthday, my sweet little girl!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7q0LgiVBJk/U3J0LrvtF6I/AAAAAAAAI6o/SDA5kD6I_CE/s1600/Adelyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7q0LgiVBJk/U3J0LrvtF6I/AAAAAAAAI6o/SDA5kD6I_CE/s1600/Adelyn.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OurLittleMoments">Our Little Moments</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Linking up with the following:<br /><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/05/wow-us-wednesdays-169.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SavvySouthernStyle+%28Savvy+Southern+Style%29" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savy Southern Style</a><br /><a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2014/05/swing-into-spring-its-party-168.html" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a><br /><a href="http://www.greenwillowpond.com/2014/05/what-we-accomplished-wednesday-54.html" target="_blank">Green Willow Pond</a><br /><a href="http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com/2014/05/wake-up-wednesday-linky-party-27-blogs.html" target="_blank">Wake Up Wednesday</a><br /><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/117-link-up-your-projects/" target="_blank">The DIY Dreamer</a><br /><a href="http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/2014/05/your-whims-wednesday-162-and-features.html" target="_blank">Your Whims Wednesday</a><br /><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/05/centerpiece-wednesday-spring-things.html" target="_blank">The Style Sisters</a><br /><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Ginger Snap Crafts</a><br /><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a><br /><a href="http://snapcreativity.com/" target="_blank">Snap! Creativity</a><br /><a href="http://thehappyhousie.com/" target="_blank">The Happy Housie</a><br /><a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank">Life with the Crust Cut Off</a><br /><a href="http://practicallyfunctional.com/creativity-unleashed-link-party-20/" target="_blank">Practically Functional</a><br /><a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2014/05/anything-goes-linky-154-new-way-too.html" target="_blank">Anything Goes</a>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-26653619159349041752014-05-12T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-16T07:29:36.126-05:00Adelyn's First Year {52 Weeks in Pics}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_eP3MSyiY-o/U2qdlS_YRnI/AAAAAAAAI4g/fwcKbU4tIXY/s1600/Adelyn+Weekly+Photos3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_eP3MSyiY-o/U2qdlS_YRnI/AAAAAAAAI4g/fwcKbU4tIXY/s1600/Adelyn+Weekly+Photos3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To see how I used all of the fabrics for one fabulous party and an amazing keepsake quilt, click <b><a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2014/05/adelyns-1st-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I must give credit for this idea to <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a>, one of my favorite blogs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-10357202262251237242013-08-22T00:00:00.002-05:002013-08-22T00:07:35.093-05:00Board and Batten Bathroom Transformation {Under $30!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7O1cUEnVqs/UhWBQHuQrYI/AAAAAAAAGk4/vK3evqHbDes/s1600/2013-03-05+iPhone+3-5-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7O1cUEnVqs/UhWBQHuQrYI/AAAAAAAAGk4/vK3evqHbDes/s640/2013-03-05+iPhone+3-5-014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last week, on a whim I decided to undertake a project that I have been wanting to attempt for years. &nbsp;Never, never, never have I ever done anything remotely like this, so I'm not quite sure why I believed I could do it. &nbsp;But alas, the pins on Pinterest got the best of me and I decided that I would just go for it...while the hubby was out of town...without telling him my plans...without consulting anyone {except the nice guys in Home Depot}. <br /><br />When I first felt the urge, I googled the "how to" and read a few blogs of others who had attempted it in the past. &nbsp;That's when I landed on one of my all-time favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a>, and decided to use their method as my guideline. I made a few changes along the way, but in the end it was as easy as 1,2,3{4,5,6}. <br /><br /><b>Here is my 6-step process:</b><br /><br />1. Gather your supplies. &nbsp;This is what I used:<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ "Decorator's White" paint &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;{already had this on hand from baseboard touch-ups}<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ Primer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;{already on hand from other projects}<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~Paint roller and tray &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; {already owned}<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ 3 Lattice Boards, 5 feet each* &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>$10.65</b></span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ 1, 1x2 Pine Board, cut to 57.25" long* &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>$4.87</b></span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ 1, 1x3 Pine Board, cut to 57.25" long* &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<b style="color: #6aa84f;">$2.87</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ Level &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;{already owned}<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ Liquid Nails &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>$4.98</b></span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ Caulk &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>&nbsp; $2.28</b></span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; ~ Caulking Gun &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;{already owned}<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; _______________________<br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GRAND TOTAL: $25.65</b></span><br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;*Since the hubby was out of town, I had the guys at Home Depot cut my boards to size.<br /><br />2. Make it easy on yourself by priming and painting your lumber and wall, first thing. &nbsp;This saves a lot of time as it is much easier to slap on a coat of paint on an empty wall than it is to try and "cut in" with the paint at all the nooks and crannies.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9YZAXt3DnY/UhWTtz0tJeI/AAAAAAAAGoU/weAOinqOKoo/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9YZAXt3DnY/UhWTtz0tJeI/AAAAAAAAGoU/weAOinqOKoo/s640/IMG_2795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />3. Measure then check and recheck your desired board placements. &nbsp;Be sure to use your level...if your house is like ours then your walls will not be even. &nbsp;I used a pencil to draw a line along where I wanted the boards. <br /><br />4. Apply Liquid Nails to the area where you will attach the board. &nbsp;If you marked lines with your pencil then just place dots of it along the lines. &nbsp;Be careful not to gob too much on there or it will seep out and you'll have a mess to clean up...trust me! &nbsp;Then press the board to the wall and hang out for a minute while it does it's magic. &nbsp;{I used the three latice boards as my vertical "batten." The 1x3 pine was used as my horizontal plank and the 1x2 pine created the mini shelf to top it all off}<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDHjw5bnv44/UhWSdxCbL5I/AAAAAAAAGmU/XAKnwvRWsVM/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDHjw5bnv44/UhWSdxCbL5I/AAAAAAAAGmU/XAKnwvRWsVM/s640/IMG_2797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />5. Grab your caulk and gun then get to work on filling in all of those gaps. Like I said, our walls are not even so I had a lot of hefty gaps to fill in. <br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;***Here's a useful tip from Diane at&nbsp;<a href="http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/07/how-to-paint-and-caulk-board-and-batten.html">In My Own Style</a>:<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "Keep a bowl of ice water nearby when caulking. Frequently dip your index<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; finger in the water and run the tip of your finger over just applied caulk to<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; smooth. You can also run an ice cube along the line of caulk to smooth into the<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; joint or gap."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiRWEmpxCtM/UhWVeJaZuNI/AAAAAAAAGpo/3SxlGP6Dd3w/s1600/2013-03-05+iPhone+3-5-131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiRWEmpxCtM/UhWVeJaZuNI/AAAAAAAAGpo/3SxlGP6Dd3w/s640/2013-03-05+iPhone+3-5-131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Grab your paint brush/roller to freshen up any areas that need it. Once the paint dries you can add the hardware, if desired. I added two hat and coat hooks for our towels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5MNLdEbT1g/UhWSiRmOshI/AAAAAAAAGnU/u0CuMjn6EhQ/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5MNLdEbT1g/UhWSiRmOshI/AAAAAAAAGnU/u0CuMjn6EhQ/s640/IMG_2859.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This project was fairly simple and well worth the money and time {about 4ish hours....wee-hours of the night as the kids slept...spread over two days}. &nbsp;I only wish I had done it sooner!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Linking up with:<br /><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-131.html?utm_source=feedburner">Savvy Southern Style</a><br /><a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2013/08/sizzle-into-summer-its-party-130.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:">DIY by Design</a><br /><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/">Open House Party</a>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-10622045730454526912013-08-15T10:25:00.004-05:002013-08-15T10:25:58.589-05:00Extra 10% off zulily for Happily Mother After readers!<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=508657&amp;u=830094&amp;m=46950&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/46950/728x90_52183_philtedB.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Hey Loyals!<br /><br />Good news! I am an affiliate for Zulily and they have a special deal for all of my readers! &nbsp;Now, through August 18th, they are having an affiliate only Back to School sale with items marked off up to 55% off...PLUS they are offering all of my readers an additional 10% off purchases of $60 or more!<br /><br /><b>Click on this link to get to the sale: &nbsp;</b><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=513678&amp;u=830094&amp;m=46950&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack="><b>zulily 72hr Back to School Sale</b></a><br /><br /><b>Enter this code at check out for 10% off your purchase of $60 or more: &nbsp;</b><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>SCRTSALE54</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: This code can only be used for this event, with product only from this event, and a minimum purchase of $60 is required.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span> <br />Happy Shopping!Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-89062759145680334512013-08-14T22:59:00.001-05:002015-02-16T23:29:44.775-06:00Vanessa's Baby ShowerOne of my besties is having her baby tomorrow morning!!! I'm beyond excited for my dear childhood friend, <a href="http://dailydelivered.blogspot.com/">Vanessa</a>. <i>Side note: she hates when I call her a childhood friend because she says we didn't stop being friends now that we are adults. That's a given, in my opinion, so I still call her my childhood friend. It implies a deeper bond, right?!&nbsp;</i><br /><div><br /></div><div>If you know me {or read my blog enough}, you know that as soon as I heard she was pregnant my mind immediately began planning her baby shower. &nbsp;I have thrown many showers for friends over the years and have truly enjoyed each and every one....but this one I enjoyed on an entirely different level. &nbsp;This was, by far, the most heart I have ever poured into a shower. &nbsp;I shed many tears as I planned and prepared for this special event.</div><div><br /></div><div>You see, Vanessa and her hubby waited over eight years for this precious little girl that is making her arrival in just a few short hours! {Pause, and scream joyfully with me here!} &nbsp;This couple has an incredible heart for children and has been such a sweet blessing in my own children's lives. &nbsp;I watched them with Brody and Adelyn over the years and my heart just ached for them to experience the joy of their own children. &nbsp;I prayed many, many times that God would bless them with a child; and, praise the Lord, <span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">Elliana Grace</span> is almost here!!!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>But, their story is not mine to tell, so if you'd like to know more about this one-of-a-kind couple check out Vanessa's blog, <a href="http://dailydelivered.blogspot.com/">Daily Delivered</a>. &nbsp; What I will share with you is some pictures from the shower I threw for her with the help of my mom and two other friends. &nbsp;I couldn't have pulled it off without those girls!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElENugxHO-k/UgxIBiYLqWI/AAAAAAAAGjI/bEkwfJWha1Q/s1600/img_2575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElENugxHO-k/UgxIBiYLqWI/AAAAAAAAGjI/bEkwfJWha1Q/s640/img_2575.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our main focal point and where Vanessa opened all of her baby gifts.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8M9hH96DO4/UgxH-ZgmeuI/AAAAAAAAGi8/I2BK49aWWeg/s1600/img_2576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8M9hH96DO4/UgxH-ZgmeuI/AAAAAAAAGi8/I2BK49aWWeg/s640/img_2576.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple flower arrangements in mason jars with vinyl pregnant silhouettes<br />were sitting on baby-themed books to create a&nbsp;centerpiece for each table.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeuofvB7-z0/UgxIpt2luHI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/Q0YfV6J2D44/s1600/img_2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeuofvB7-z0/UgxIpt2luHI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/Q0YfV6J2D44/s640/img_2547.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the backdrop for the beverage table from three different sheer curtains that <br />I cut into 6" {ish} strips&nbsp;and hung on a spring rod with fishing line from the porch ceiling.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNq3EAVxL3s/UgxH4OypAfI/AAAAAAAAGio/T8q695K0UZs/s1600/img_2552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNq3EAVxL3s/UgxH4OypAfI/AAAAAAAAGio/T8q695K0UZs/s640/img_2552.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water bottle labels created by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios">Gaia Design Studios</a> and printed by one of the co-hosts {my sweet mom}.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFItv9R0T1g/UgxLPfPJsdI/AAAAAAAAGkg/zebhb7HoMnE/s1600/Desktop5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFItv9R0T1g/UgxLPfPJsdI/AAAAAAAAGkg/zebhb7HoMnE/s640/Desktop5.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guest of honor.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGyrBlCIdj8/UgxIG99q2rI/AAAAAAAAGjg/T27pNohslDo/s1600/img_2589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGyrBlCIdj8/UgxIG99q2rI/AAAAAAAAGjg/T27pNohslDo/s640/img_2589.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yummy food spread was provided by Christy, one of the co-hosts.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20RRfghq_r0/UgxH4JfOwSI/AAAAAAAAGis/ysIobr8woNk/s1600/img_2573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20RRfghq_r0/UgxH4JfOwSI/AAAAAAAAGis/ysIobr8woNk/s640/img_2573.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign was ordered through <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios">Gaia Design Studios</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIFBKKAqwMY/UgxIGTNBT7I/AAAAAAAAGjU/YOo0lhdbiuU/s1600/img_2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIFBKKAqwMY/UgxIGTNBT7I/AAAAAAAAGjU/YOo0lhdbiuU/s640/img_2593.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elliana's very own ELLIphant on top of her diaper cake.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRaqG0hNk0g/UgxL7e5bKbI/AAAAAAAAGko/94lqr9KBrE0/s1600/img_2582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRaqG0hNk0g/UgxL7e5bKbI/AAAAAAAAGko/94lqr9KBrE0/s640/img_2582.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nail polish for all the guests in various shades of pink and glitter. Sign created by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios">Gaia Design Studios</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nYlcaBEcRg/UgxIOTyQdpI/AAAAAAAAGj8/q69YuRzKj8U/s1600/img_2775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nYlcaBEcRg/UgxIOTyQdpI/AAAAAAAAGj8/q69YuRzKj8U/s640/img_2775.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the guests signed a framed copy of the baby shower invite.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS0rcQSWztQ/UgxII5qo9JI/AAAAAAAAGjs/MsBpoPpFKVo/s1600/img_2603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS0rcQSWztQ/UgxII5qo9JI/AAAAAAAAGjs/MsBpoPpFKVo/s640/img_2603.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Vanessa, what can I say except I love you and I am praying that all goes well tomorrow morning. I cannot wait to snuggle my little ELLIphant! :) See you soon, Momma!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Linking up with:<br /><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-131.html?utm_source=feedburner">Savvy Southern Style</a><br /><a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2013/08/sizzle-into-summer-its-party-130.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:">DIY by Design</a><br /><a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/2013/08/pour-your-heart-out-my-sons-simple-view-of-42.html">Things I Can't Say</a>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-44303658652110291882013-08-12T23:00:00.001-05:002013-08-12T23:00:15.980-05:00Friend Connect Blog HopHi Friendlies!<br /><br />I'm co-hosting this week's Friend Connect Blog Hop with Melissa at <a href="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/">The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife</a>. &nbsp;I hope you'll link up below and find some new blog friends with me. &nbsp;It's easy, fun, and always rewarding. You never know what amazing new bloggers you'll stumble across!<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srw7IKYs8xE/UU58Qk4e8II/AAAAAAAAEmI/fAOyHUnK9_U/s1600/fcbloghopheader.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srw7IKYs8xE/UU58Qk4e8II/AAAAAAAAEmI/fAOyHUnK9_U/s640/fcbloghopheader.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's Tuesday again which means it's time for the Friend Connect Blog Hop!</div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;">It's the time to meet new friends and find new blogs. You can choose to follow the cohosts in whatever way is best for YOU! <b>Here are some of my favorite ways: GFC, BlogLovin', HelloCotton, RSS, Twitter, Facebook.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">RULES are simple:</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <b>Follow your host&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The First link below</div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <b>Follow your co-hosts&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Next 6 links below</div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <b>Link up below using your main blog url</b> not a specific post.</div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Make sure to <b>visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.</div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5.&nbsp;<b>Tweet about this blog hop</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="FriendConnectBlogHop" data-size="large" data-text="Come Meet New Friends with the Friend Connect Blog Hop" data-url="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/search/label/gfcbloghop" data-via="thelifeofawife" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a></div><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. <b>Share about this blog hop</b> by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!</div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMMfxAyQqk0/UU59IWy4oAI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/vTMGTpVTIs0/s1600/fcbloghop.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMMfxAyQqk0/UU59IWy4oAI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/vTMGTpVTIs0/s1600/fcbloghop.gif" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><textarea cols="20" rows="2"><a href="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/search/label/gfcbloghop"> <img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z237/melissaenault/fcbloghop_zps81aaa394.gif" border="0" /></a> </textarea></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I have cohost spots available! Email me if you're interested at melissa@thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com</b></div><b><br /><br /></b><br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=305014&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-61738590383187859202013-06-19T00:37:00.002-05:002013-07-08T21:10:00.361-05:00Brody's Airplane Party {Plus, FREE PRINTABLES and a GIVEAWAY!}My {not so} little man turned 4 on May 23rd, and I'm still in disbelief that my baby is no longer a baby!<br /><br />I've always loved planning birthday parties for B. Boy...so much so that the birthday party brainstorming in my household tends to begin <i>at least </i>six months early. &nbsp;To be totally honest, planning his <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2011/05/its-that-time-of-year-again.html">First Birthday Bug Bash</a> probably began when he was just four months old. &nbsp;His second birthday party, a <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2011/06/brodys-2nd-birthday-party.html">Mickey Mouse Choo-Choo Express</a>&nbsp;party, pretty much began before we even finished cleaning up the first! I gave myself a break for his third birthday since I was pregnant, and instead <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2012/06/brodys-3rd-birthday-celebration-at.html">we took him to Disney World</a> for his first magical experience. <br /><br />As his fourth birthday approached, I kept giving myself pep talks to tone it down and create a birthday party on a much smaller scale than his first and second. &nbsp;After all, we have another baby in the house now so there really isn't any free time these days. &nbsp;I tried to be realistic when thinking about his fourth birthday. &nbsp;I tried.<br /><br />But then Jan from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios">Gaia Design Studios</a> happened. :)<br /><br />Back in April I ordered&nbsp;<a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2013/06/a-baby-by-any-other-name-would-smell-as.html">baby re-naming announcements</a>&nbsp;from Jan and absolutely loved the end-product she produced on top of the amazing customer service she provided throughout the design process. I've worked with many sellers on Etsy, but she was by far the easiest to work with and so sweet.&nbsp; It was a no-brainer for me to ask her to create Brody's birthday party invitation...even though at the time she did not have birthday party invitations in her Etsy shop. &nbsp;I just knew she would listen to what I had envisioned and create an outstanding invite...and I was right. &nbsp;She nailed it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0APSBIBUrc/UcGux5McxqI/AAAAAAAAGhg/QA1rDQzq6RQ/s1600/Brody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0APSBIBUrc/UcGux5McxqI/AAAAAAAAGhg/QA1rDQzq6RQ/s640/Brody.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This was when his birthday party began to explode. &nbsp;After Jan created his invitation, she contacted me about creating some complimentary designs for additional party items such as a banner and food labels. &nbsp;It was an offer I just couldn't resist! &nbsp;I gladly began working with her and sharing my visions for Brody's airplane party. &nbsp;She designed and tweaked things until I was in love and ready to print them out. &nbsp;Her awesome printables sparked more creativity within me and I ended up crafting one thing after another for the party until time had run out and May 18th had arrived. <br /><br />Close friends and some family attended his party this year, helping to make B. Boy feel extra special and loved. &nbsp;It was a very memorable day that Brody still enjoys talking about.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0O1LBlAmoLw/UcEcgQUtR5I/AAAAAAAAGfU/VqqnAHU_29c/s1600/img_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0O1LBlAmoLw/UcEcgQUtR5I/AAAAAAAAGfU/VqqnAHU_29c/s640/img_1760.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Brody wearing his Uncle Josh's shoulder boards.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Inflight Desserts included cupcakes and airline {Biscoff} cookies. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5wan6eMNGk/UcEcZMa5B1I/AAAAAAAAGd4/jj_Zg7nlFKE/s1600/img_1717.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5wan6eMNGk/UcEcZMa5B1I/AAAAAAAAGd4/jj_Zg7nlFKE/s640/img_1717.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Vintage airplanes hung from our chandelier above the food table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1letH9Ktt2Y/UcEcc17HOZI/AAAAAAAAGeg/pnNawDrfM8o/s1600/img_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1letH9Ktt2Y/UcEcc17HOZI/AAAAAAAAGeg/pnNawDrfM8o/s640/img_1730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used my Cricut to cut out an airplane from a map of Atlanta and used Mod Podge to glue it on to chevron-painted canvases that hung above the food table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kb8kSpL3t9Y/UcEcXUORM8I/AAAAAAAAGdQ/igxkOjlrYII/s1600/img_1710.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kb8kSpL3t9Y/UcEcXUORM8I/AAAAAAAAGdQ/igxkOjlrYII/s640/img_1710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inflight Snacks included pretzels, peanuts, fruit cups, spinach-artichoke dip, and PB&amp;J airplanes.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqtXIa_nMzo/UcEgbwaBThI/AAAAAAAAGg0/rtj2xvJe5cw/s1600/Desktop2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqtXIa_nMzo/UcEgbwaBThI/AAAAAAAAGg0/rtj2xvJe5cw/s640/Desktop2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Adelyn had her own Inflight Snacks to enjoy. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHT5OumNUzM/UcEcfzgLVCI/AAAAAAAAGfE/Sx813YQcqcQ/s1600/img_1755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHT5OumNUzM/UcEcfzgLVCI/AAAAAAAAGfE/Sx813YQcqcQ/s640/img_1755.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cjL5mw9GxE/UcEhXR1-zCI/AAAAAAAAGhE/vlw9zrIiPmM/s1600/Desktop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cjL5mw9GxE/UcEhXR1-zCI/AAAAAAAAGhE/vlw9zrIiPmM/s640/Desktop3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The idea for the Paper Airplane Garland came from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/147492956519055728/">this pin on Pinterest</a>}</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inhGxgz5y6w/UcEcfOdRjsI/AAAAAAAAGfI/Wv-RGCeQimI/s1600/img_1753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inhGxgz5y6w/UcEcfOdRjsI/AAAAAAAAGfI/Wv-RGCeQimI/s640/img_1753.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Dee and Brody's Wynni<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">An airplane garland adorned the backyard where Brody's Hangar hosted the entertainment for the kids. &nbsp;He sat in his cockpit to open the presents that were dropped off at baggage claim as guests arrived.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best part of Brody's day was spending time with his friends...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rv7d8XyVkY/UcEclfanR9I/AAAAAAAAGgI/2_bD31NdmqU/s1600/img_1823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rv7d8XyVkY/UcEclfanR9I/AAAAAAAAGgI/2_bD31NdmqU/s640/img_1823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />...and, of course, opening presents...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdJ-peZOvxs/UcEclwH-GwI/AAAAAAAAGgM/AKjIMEdcR8c/s1600/img_1841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdJ-peZOvxs/UcEclwH-GwI/AAAAAAAAGgM/AKjIMEdcR8c/s640/img_1841.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />...and {definitely} eating cupcakes!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UXcXvdzNZc/UcEeY9xyKkI/AAAAAAAAGgk/1CHKy4sSYno/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UXcXvdzNZc/UcEeY9xyKkI/AAAAAAAAGgk/1CHKy4sSYno/s640/Desktop1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfjYqMq_Y40/UcEci6YPWpI/AAAAAAAAGf0/p7rGhLYBY3o/s1600/img_1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfjYqMq_Y40/UcEci6YPWpI/AAAAAAAAGf0/p7rGhLYBY3o/s640/img_1801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;">Brody had a special cupcake just for his friend Grace, who turned 3 on the day of his party. We are so thankful she came to celebrate with us!</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkpJYSvrZuA/UcEciQqdaHI/AAAAAAAAGfw/YIdvSUfgFKg/s1600/img_1792.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkpJYSvrZuA/UcEciQqdaHI/AAAAAAAAGfw/YIdvSUfgFKg/s640/img_1792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hNgBQ7d5iA/UcEchXHq3tI/AAAAAAAAGfg/dsbfmUx1TQw/s1600/img_1780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hNgBQ7d5iA/UcEchXHq3tI/AAAAAAAAGfg/dsbfmUx1TQw/s640/img_1780.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I love each and every one of these girls very much, and I'm so blessed to call Brody's friends' moms my friends too {did you follow that?!}<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PaWHkKIUww/UcEcjqtEarI/AAAAAAAAGf8/vc0P5Z5PS1o/s1600/img_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PaWHkKIUww/UcEcjqtEarI/AAAAAAAAGf8/vc0P5Z5PS1o/s640/img_1814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />To thank all of Brody's friends for coming to celebrate, each child had a goodie bag from B. Boy Airlines waiting for him/her at the Departing Flights table.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuef0Zle2Ws/UcEiffeQ-GI/AAAAAAAAGhU/dB2HdcVa33o/s1600/Desktop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuef0Zle2Ws/UcEiffeQ-GI/AAAAAAAAGhU/dB2HdcVa33o/s640/Desktop4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was a special day for a very special little boy who has truly made my world much brighter just by being in it. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">And now, to thank all of YOU for all of your support here at Happily Mother After, I have a special "goodie bag" for each of you!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">My newest sponsor, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios">Gaia Design Studios</a>, has offered FREE PRINTABLES to each of my readers!!! We are sharing her pennant banner design that is pictured in the photos from Brody's airplane party. Since they don't include the lettering {I added that using my Cricut}, you can print these out to use for any occasion. Print them all or just the ones you love...mix and match as you choose!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Click </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.box.com/s/qyhu6zd9a6z68lp55rgk">{here}</a></span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> for your free printables </b>and be sure let me how you plan to use them!</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Also, I'd love for you to spread the love and let Jan know how much we appreciate her here at Happily Mother After. Be sure to...</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Check out Gaia Design Studios Online: </span><a href="http://gaiadesignstudios.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gaiadesignstudios.com</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> | </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Etsy Shop</span></a><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;">Like them on Facebook for more FREE Printables &amp; Special Offers: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GaiaDesignStudios"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Facebook</span></a><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;">Follow them on Pinterest for Inspirations: </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/gaiadesign"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pinterest</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;">I just know you'll fall in love with her as much as I did!</span><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo icm_fullxfull27730789_ikop1sqzilssoscwc08c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/icm_fullxfull27730789_ikop1sqzilssoscwc08c.jpg" /></a><center></center></center><center></center><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><center><br /></center><center>In case the free printables weren't enough for you, I'm giving away one "Happy Birthday" pennant banner. &nbsp;It includes all six designs of the adorable airplane/chevron pennant banner and I've added the "Happy Birthday" letters for you. &nbsp;All you have to do is hang it!</center><br />***update: THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED. CONGRATULATIONS, KARYN LISK! THANKS FOR FOLLOWING HMA!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6618418539_818e3645db_o.jpg" alt="I'm Topsy Turvy" width="125"/></a>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-81213010399875344232013-06-11T22:59:00.003-05:002013-08-12T00:32:56.200-05:00A Baby by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet: The tough decision of what to name our "Baby Girl"{Note: If you haven't already read <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2013/06/baby-girl-birth-story.html">Baby Girl's birth story</a>, you might want to read it before reading below.}<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_gqa-vV3Hk/UD5IP8p-eyI/AAAAAAAAGK8/rG1Hr7phiaI/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_gqa-vV3Hk/UD5IP8p-eyI/AAAAAAAAGK8/rG1Hr7phiaI/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0035.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's no secret that Jonathan and I struggled for nine months to decide on a name for our second child, whom we lovingly referred to as "Baby Girl" throughout my pregnancy. &nbsp;As my belly continued to expand and I approached 30 weeks, we started to panic and <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2012/07/please-help-us-name-our-baby-girl.html">asked all of you to help us decide</a> on a name.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm61fG02Pyo/UD5IQvqvldI/AAAAAAAAGLM/5ywTOmnYkjk/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm61fG02Pyo/UD5IQvqvldI/AAAAAAAAGLM/5ywTOmnYkjk/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It had taken us almost the entire 30 weeks to narrow it down to just two options, Karis Adelyn or Ellie Jane.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was in high school, a group of women known as "Karis" came to sing for my youth group. They explained that "karis" means grace. &nbsp;If you were to read the Bible in ancient Greek {one of the three original languages it was written in}, you would see the word "karis" where you and I read the word "grace" in our Bibles today. &nbsp;It was then, in 9th grade, that I feel in love with the name and I shared it with my high school sweetheart who thought it was a great name too. &nbsp;From then on, we always said that if we had a girl we would name her "Karis."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oK9uzPK8pZY/UD5IQIBfyVI/AAAAAAAAGLE/INikUrBtkWU/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oK9uzPK8pZY/UD5IQIBfyVI/AAAAAAAAGLE/INikUrBtkWU/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, when we found out baby #2 was a girl, we naturally began to discuss naming her Karis. Since we'd talked about it for many years, Jonathan thought it was a done deal...but I started doubting if it was right for our actual, in the flesh daughter. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>That's when I went looking &nbsp;for our old baby name book from when I was pregnant with Brody. &nbsp;We began the same process we used to name Brody. &nbsp;He made a list. I made a {mental} list. &nbsp;We shared our lists. We vetoed the ones we hated. We discussed the potentials. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>But nothing ever struck us both as the perfect name.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jonathan was still stuck on Karis, and I was, well, not. &nbsp;I had fallen in love with the name Elle. &nbsp;I liked the sound of Elle Johnson. &nbsp;It reminded me of my signature, L. Johnson. &nbsp;It was my way of naming her after myself without downright naming her after myself. &nbsp;After all, Brody carries part of Jonathan's name...Jo{nathan} and Brody {Nathan}iel. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>One night, as we sat around the dinner table with my parents and our good friends, Vanessa and Phil, the topic of names came up. &nbsp;Jonathan and I discussed Karis with everyone and I threw out the name Elle. &nbsp;My mom and Vanessa jumped at the name Elle because I said I would love her middle to be Jane so that we could call her Ellie Jane. &nbsp;They thought it was adorable {as did I} but Jonathan protested and it became a heated topic for months to come.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbkprW6eNOA/UD5IRg1UIJI/AAAAAAAAGLc/oj6q4tLbGvs/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbkprW6eNOA/UD5IRg1UIJI/AAAAAAAAGLc/oj6q4tLbGvs/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He finally came around and started discussing it as a potential when I mentioned she would need a proper name...a more formal name from which Elle/Ellie could be derived. &nbsp;I wasn't fond of Eleanor like my hubby who seemed to only pick out Victorian names. &nbsp;Elizabeth was too common for my taste...I'm not a big fan of stealing other peoples' names, even in the slightest way. &nbsp;My parents suggested Eliana {or Ellianna} after watching the ballerina on "So You Think You Can Dance" that season. &nbsp;Of all the proper names for little Ellie Jane, this one was the one I was fondest of, but it still just didn't feel right. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>It seemed as if everyone around us had an opinion...and they were all very verbal about their choice name. &nbsp;Jonathan and I both hate to make decisions. &nbsp;We have what some refer to as "paralysis by analysis." &nbsp;I find it only natural that we surround ourselves with very opinionated people...friends that can make the decisions so that we don't have to.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>But this was one decision that we couldn't let others make for us, and {to be completely honest} their outspoken opinions only made pulling the trigger more difficult. &nbsp;So, we were paralyzed.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were paralyzed right up until the night before we were discharged from the hospital. &nbsp;The nurse told us it was time to make a decision and fill out the paperwork so that we could take her home. &nbsp;Even in that "final hour" we were throwing out several different names as we ate P.F.Changs off my hospital tray. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>After stuffing ourselves full of deliciousness, we each grabbed a fortune cookie and eagerly opened them up. &nbsp;We love to laugh about the ridiculous messages they contain. &nbsp;Jonathan read his aloud and we laughed. &nbsp;Then I read mine aloud and we looked at each other. Decision made.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7WW_5kWis/UbjWLFZ8-0I/AAAAAAAAGcM/65EIQh-he3c/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7WW_5kWis/UbjWLFZ8-0I/AAAAAAAAGcM/65EIQh-he3c/s320/photo+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We still firmly don't believe that fortune cookies hold any truth or value whatsoever, but we knew it'd make for a fun story and it helped us to finalize her name.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Karis&nbsp;Adelyn</b></span>&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Karis {meaning: grace} Adelyn {meaning: noble beauty}&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning we dressed her, snapped a few pictures...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdLrNO7J_tU/Ua_9yMlQI-I/AAAAAAAAGTU/54xqQNyA_6o/s1600/IMG_9879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdLrNO7J_tU/Ua_9yMlQI-I/AAAAAAAAGTU/54xqQNyA_6o/s640/IMG_9879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gp-Gn8WGHu0/Ua_9ylDErmI/AAAAAAAAGTY/gCNDH0A0_GA/s1600/IMG_9885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gp-Gn8WGHu0/Ua_9ylDErmI/AAAAAAAAGTY/gCNDH0A0_GA/s640/IMG_9885.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ei2NCv4GqdM/Ua_9zDEhifI/AAAAAAAAGTc/QptA7VNuOv4/s1600/IMG_9888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ei2NCv4GqdM/Ua_9zDEhifI/AAAAAAAAGTc/QptA7VNuOv4/s640/IMG_9888.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />...and drove her home where her big brother was anxiously awaiting her arrival and decorating the house for his baby sister's homecoming.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwgaLHAnA78/Ua_90f_bBoI/AAAAAAAAGTw/336PCMPBz_U/s1600/IMG_9895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwgaLHAnA78/Ua_90f_bBoI/AAAAAAAAGTw/336PCMPBz_U/s640/IMG_9895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't long after we got her home before Brody began to introduce "Baby Girl" {which the poor boy called her for the first several months} to all of his favorite cars and <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2011/10/oh-snapshots-of-week-2.html">his favorite stuffed animal, Clifford</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Zkg1vtWhM/Ua_91ajgiaI/AAAAAAAAGT4/tlVaNIOL7jA/s1600/IMG_9917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Zkg1vtWhM/Ua_91ajgiaI/AAAAAAAAGT4/tlVaNIOL7jA/s640/IMG_9917.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div></div><div>So Brody knew her as "Baby Girl" and we were trying our best to get to know her as "Karis" rather than "Baby Girl." &nbsp;It wasn't easy though and many times we found ourselves still referring to her as "Baby Girl" right along with Brody. &nbsp;Even friends and family still referred to her as "Baby Girl" many times, despite the birth announcement and numerous conversations about how we settled on a name.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21GUXoi6Tw4/Ubfn_HshNyI/AAAAAAAAGbw/umu0eBAMWhE/s1600/front_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21GUXoi6Tw4/Ubfn_HshNyI/AAAAAAAAGbw/umu0eBAMWhE/s640/front_preview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Month after month flew by and with each passing day it became easier to remember her name was "Karis" and not simply "Baby Girl" anymore. &nbsp;But, I kept having this nagging feeling inside that we didn't choose the right name. &nbsp;I mentioned it to Jonathan but he didn't feel the same way. &nbsp;So, I pushed off my feelings until I couldn't stand it anymore.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I secretly researched how to change her name, the legal issues involved, the fees, the problems it would create for our little girl, etc. &nbsp;The more I thought about it, the harder it became for me to look at her as "Karis." &nbsp;I really can't explain it. &nbsp;I don't imagine you will understand unless you have walked in similar shoes. &nbsp;It was just an uneasy feeling. A pit in my stomach that it wasn't her name. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>It took me a long time to get up the nerve to talk about it with Jonathan again. I felt silly, and I was afraid he would think I was out of my mind. &nbsp;But, there is nothing like an 8 hour road trip to Florida to get something so pressuring off your chest. &nbsp;I carefully addressed my feelings to him {after dwelling upon them for several hours to the monotonous hum of the car}, explaining the uneasy feeling I just couldn't shake. &nbsp;He listened with an open heart and asked a few questions once I was done pouring out my heart. &nbsp;Then, being the sweet man that he is, he explained how I was the mother and should know better than anyone what her true name was. &nbsp;He agreed to have a trial run with her new name to see how we felt about it.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>She was 4 months old at that point. &nbsp;We began calling her by her middle name, "Adelyn," whenever we were in the comfort of our home. &nbsp;For awhile, it felt strange. &nbsp;For so long she was "Baby Girl," then she was "Karis," and now we were calling her "Adelyn." &nbsp;I wondered if things would ever feel right. But, it didn't take long before we adjusted to calling her "Adelyn" every time we spoke of her. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>And that is when my heart felt settled. I felt at peace about who she really was meant to be. &nbsp;I smiled when I thought about her name. Adelyn. It means "noble beauty" and beauty was what I saw when I looked down at her sweet little porcelain doll face. &nbsp;She was prettier than any of the porcelain dolls my dad gave me each year on my birthday as I was growing up; but something about her pale skin, perfect lips, button nose, and big round eyes reminded me of those dolls I unwrapped each December 7th.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>By the time she was 6 months old, we were announcing the change to family and friends. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_yzX2woecM/UbfvRBDT9MI/AAAAAAAAGb8/jmX4UVyZYaw/s1600/Adelyn+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_yzX2woecM/UbfvRBDT9MI/AAAAAAAAGb8/jmX4UVyZYaw/s640/Adelyn+B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Announcement custom made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios?ref=seller_info">Gaia Design Studios</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Still beautiful. Still perfect. Still ours. Now Adelyn.<br /><br />In case you are wondering, I have no regrets in changing her name. She was meant to be an "Adelyn." &nbsp;Yes, I do wish we had figured it out before we took her home so that we could have made her first name "Adelyn." &nbsp;I'm sure I would have figured it out had we called her "Karis" while she was in my belly instead of "Baby Girl." &nbsp;We just never had that trial phase before she was born. <br /><br />But, no sense in looking back. &nbsp;She is just one of those kids I said I would never have...you know, the ones who go by their middle name. I guess I should have never said "never."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">---------------------------------------------------------------------</div><br />Maternity Photos by: <a href="http://www.capturinghope.com/">Capturing Hope Photography</a><br />Birth Announcemnt by: <a href="http://simplytoimpress.com/">Simply to Impress</a><br />Name Change Announcement Custom Made by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaiaDesignStudios?ref=seller_info">Gaia Design Studios</a><br /><span style="text-align: center;">Linking up with: </span><a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/2013/06/pour-your-heart-out-a-reevaluation.html" style="text-align: center;">Pour Your Heart Out at Things I Can't Say</a></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-25449742031226151172013-06-05T22:30:00.000-05:002013-08-12T00:32:56.188-05:00Baby Girl {A Birth Story}<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIIFjlte_Fo/Ua_rUANhRqI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/cYNVhDMtJFE/s1600/IMG_9581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIIFjlte_Fo/Ua_rUANhRqI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/cYNVhDMtJFE/s400/IMG_9581.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />I'd always heard that the second baby comes early, so when my belly dropped and I began having other signs of impending labor several weeks before my due date I just assumed Baby Girl was coming early. &nbsp;I was truly excited and hopeful that she would come earlier than her September 9th due date because deep down I was hoping for an August baby.<br /><br />But, the weeks began to pass one by one and August was quickly coming to a close. I tried EVERY trick in the book to get her out of me pronto. &nbsp;I went to my local whole foods store and bought Raspberry Leaf Tea. &nbsp;I tried the<a href="http://www.scalinis.com/Bambino.htm"> famous eggplant parmigiana at Scalini's</a>&nbsp;here in Atlanta and when that didn't work I tried the eggplant parmigiana at a couple other local Italian restaurants just to be sure that some other restaurant didn't have just the right recipe to get the job done.&nbsp; I tried walking and walking and more walking; and when I was exhausted, I set out walking yet again. &nbsp;In a moment of utter frustration I even went to a local gym {that I was not a member of} and asked if I could just use their treadmill for awhile. &nbsp;They agreed and I jumped on their treadmill, in a dress {I hadn't planned on a visit to the gym}, and I bumped up the incline as much as I could handle. &nbsp;Then I walked and prayed for the contractions to begin. &nbsp;The contractions started, just like they did after eating the eggplant parmigiana every time, but they didn't last. &nbsp;I even tried a few more creative methods that I will never share with all of you. ;) &nbsp;Like I said, I tried EVERYTHING...well, everything except castor oil. <br /><br />Castor oil was where I drew the line. I read too many horror stories to subject myself to the potential misery. &nbsp;It wasn't worth it to me to even think about giving that a try. &nbsp;Well, that is, until the due date was upon me. I was emotionally exhausted from all of my efforts to persuade Baby Girl out of the comfy place she called home. It seemed as if she would stay there until Christmas, maybe even New Years! So, on September 9th, I broke down and bought some castor oil at the store...still not convinced that I would actually use it but wanted it in my cabinet just in case I got desperate...okay, true, I was obviously already desperate...but just in case the temptation got the best of me. &nbsp;And though I played around with the idea in my head many times that night, I never gave in. I resisted the castor oil!<br /><br />And I am SO GLAD that I NEVER took a drop of the castor oil! Because if I had taken it that night I would have thought that it was the oil that got my labor going.<br /><br />As I was relaxing on the couch with my hubby and my mom {who had already been there for a couple of weeks}, I began to feel some contractions. I didn't get too excited though because I had felt contractions many nights prior to that night. Jonathan and I had already been fooled twice with false labor and kicked ourselves later for missing out on valuable sleep.<br /><br />So, we headed upstairs around midnight. We showered just in case it was the real deal but never let ourselves get too excited. &nbsp;We solemnly climbed into bed as we each tried to keep the other from thinking we were too hopeful or excited. &nbsp;We were trying our best at the small talk when all of a sudden I felt my water break...it was just a little leakage, but I remembered that "popped water balloon" feeling from when I was in labor with Brody and I was sure that was it. <br /><br />We began packing our things as I informed my mom that it was finally time for us to head to the hospital. &nbsp;While we gathered our last minute items from the list, the contractions quickly grew stronger and I began to wonder if we were going to make it down to Atlanta in time. &nbsp;My mom snapped a picture as we headed out the door; and we drove off, hand-in-hand, dreaming of the days to come. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PltgeG7Kbjk/Ua_rJsVEcYI/AAAAAAAAGQs/JutLUhXpxsY/s1600/IMG_9584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PltgeG7Kbjk/Ua_rJsVEcYI/AAAAAAAAGQs/JutLUhXpxsY/s640/IMG_9584.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />By the time we reached the hospital, the contractions were so strong that I cried as Jonathan drove us over a speed bump. &nbsp;I was yelling about how dumb it was to have speed bumps in front of the labor and delivery building and how it was obviously a man who had designed it. &nbsp;After white knuckling it through the first two speed bumps I cried for Jonathan to stop the car right in front of the next speed bump and informed him to not move another inch until the contraction was over. &nbsp;That sweet, sweet man. &nbsp;He promptly stopped the car and waited patiently as I squirmed in the passenger seat, breathing deeply, and gritting my teeth in pain.<br /><br />We finally arrived at the registration desk around 2:30 am. There was a father-to-be filling out paper work and asking every dumb question he could come up with. &nbsp;We politely waited for him to finish while I mentally screamed at him to hurry up. &nbsp;The receptionist finally noticed my wincing face and slid me a clipboard with the paperwork to fill out. &nbsp;I think I might have written my name before throwing in the towel and passing it to Jonathan to complete. I quickly rushed to the bathroom, praying I wouldn't have the baby in the most undignified spot of the hospital. &nbsp;Thankfully, I made it out of the bathroom still pregnant and waddled my way over to the chairs. &nbsp;When I arrived at the chairs I couldn't decide what to do since I was in pain when I stood and in pain when I sat down. &nbsp;So, I opted for a sit-stand limbo dance that I'm sure attracted a lot of late night attention.<br /><br />By that time, an Asian couple had arrived. &nbsp;The mother-to-be seemed to understand exactly why I was dancing as she did a similar dance with another chair just across the way from me. &nbsp;Moments later, I pulled myself together enough to sit down because I felt as if I was going to pass out from the pain {and probably the cardiovascular workout from dancing}. &nbsp;I heard the other mother yell something to her husband in her native language. The father-to-be looked alarmed by what she told him and he yelled for the receptionist in broken English. <br /><br />"My wife say the baby coming now!"<br /><br />The receptionist politely dismissed his warnings. &nbsp;She must have heard similar cries of panic every day from worried fathers.<br /><br />The mother-to-be yelled at him again in her language and the father-to-be once again yelled out for the receptionist.<br /><br />"My wife say the baby come now! She feel it! The baby come now!"<br /><br />By this point I was furious and yelling some pretty nasty things to her in my head. &nbsp;I just knew she was overreacting and it was all some ploy to get back to a bed sooner. &nbsp;The nerve!<br /><br />The couple succeeded in drawing the attention of the staff and before I knew it there was nurse there to help. &nbsp;As I sat there watching her slowly ease her way into the wheelchair, I felt the chair underneath me become sopping wet. &nbsp;My water had broken...again! &nbsp;The "water" began dripping off the chair and down my legs as any dignity I had left washed away. I could feel my bag of waters breaking over and over with each new contraction. &nbsp;I tried to yell for Jonathan's help but I was in so much pain that all I could muster was a whisper. When he finally heard me, I pointed down as I mouthed the words, "My water broke! Help!" &nbsp;He asked for help from the staff and one of the nurses came to my aid with a towel. &nbsp;I apologized over and over but I'm not sure she heard me as I just couldn't quite get the words out. &nbsp;It was one of the most humiliating experiences I have ever had and I all I could think was, <i>Please, Lord, make it stop!</i><br /><i><br /></i>A few minutes later the nurse came to get me with a wheelchair, and I continued to leak with each contraction as she wheeled me through the halls to my birthing room. &nbsp;It seemed like hours before the admitting nurse was finished asking me questions. &nbsp;I was in excruciating pain and unable to answer the questions so I asked Jonathan to take over for me. &nbsp;The nurse was from Jamaica and had an accent that was difficult for both Jonathan and I to understand. &nbsp;I grew angrier with each question that Jonathan had to have her repeat. &nbsp;I was ready to push and she was asking questions that I had already answered on the pre-admission form months prior. <br /><br />Finally, the midwife came to my rescue and told her to finish asking the questions to Jonathan while she went ahead and did her thing. &nbsp;I was so thankful to finally have the go ahead. &nbsp;I tried a few different positions before finding one that seemed to ease the pain somewhat. &nbsp;The room was silent except for my cries of pain with each push and an occasional "You're doing great, babe!" from my hubby. This time, he knew I preferred less talk and more just being there to relay information to the midwife. &nbsp;I can remember the midwife just sitting back with a very hands-off approach unless necessary. &nbsp;She knew I wanted a natural birth, and she assured me that if she stayed out of the way things would go exactly as they should. <br /><br />And they did.<br /><br />At 5:35am, three hours after arriving at the hospital, Baby Girl promptly made her appearance on her due date. &nbsp;Not a moment too soon, and not a minute late. She was right on time. She was perfect in every way. She was ours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AENkq6OWTV4/Ua_9qrqTM2I/AAAAAAAAGRY/9B5XUfGHtPM/s1600/IMG_9610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AENkq6OWTV4/Ua_9qrqTM2I/AAAAAAAAGRY/9B5XUfGHtPM/s640/IMG_9610.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBWINgjYnW4/Ua_9rKVH67I/AAAAAAAAGRo/1Y3WzFZKpzY/s1600/IMG_9614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBWINgjYnW4/Ua_9rKVH67I/AAAAAAAAGRo/1Y3WzFZKpzY/s640/IMG_9614.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />After they cleaned her up and took her measurements, we had a little bit of time before visiting hours began. The three of us napped together in our new hospital room and I jumped in the shower as soon as I had the "OK." {This was my favorite part of a natural birth...the ability to get out of bed and shower as soon as you feel ready to.}<br /><br />By lunch time, our first visitors had arrived. &nbsp;Big Bro was so excited to meet his new little sister. &nbsp;Well, excited for a few minutes at least...until he remembered the sack lunch his Wynni {my mom} had packed him. Then he excused himself to the corner of the room where he ate his lunch as if it were any other day. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzWqe4ActX8/Ua_9rreslNI/AAAAAAAAGRw/YRrb2OMdCqc/s1600/IMG_9616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzWqe4ActX8/Ua_9rreslNI/AAAAAAAAGRw/YRrb2OMdCqc/s640/IMG_9616.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnuigIfecD8/Ua_907aCK6I/AAAAAAAAGT0/hDvI4ghy-hM/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnuigIfecD8/Ua_907aCK6I/AAAAAAAAGT0/hDvI4ghy-hM/s640/IMG_1075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o5pn5q40E8/Ua_9sNxfM3I/AAAAAAAAGRg/FpzPPLuxss8/s1600/IMG_9705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o5pn5q40E8/Ua_9sNxfM3I/AAAAAAAAGRg/FpzPPLuxss8/s640/IMG_9705.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvbROz3nD_0/Ua_9sVYKkgI/AAAAAAAAGR0/Eq16kkqP1Sc/s1600/IMG_9709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvbROz3nD_0/Ua_9sVYKkgI/AAAAAAAAGR0/Eq16kkqP1Sc/s640/IMG_9709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIDm57BBTZU/Ua_9s-9C9DI/AAAAAAAAGSM/PUEDXkvgu2E/s1600/IMG_9712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIDm57BBTZU/Ua_9s-9C9DI/AAAAAAAAGSM/PUEDXkvgu2E/s640/IMG_9712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkYFNBfubFY/Ua_9tRzA2jI/AAAAAAAAGR8/yPCM-q_gcSo/s1600/IMG_9728_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkYFNBfubFY/Ua_9tRzA2jI/AAAAAAAAGR8/yPCM-q_gcSo/s640/IMG_9728_0001.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCHSB1CywCo/Ua_9tlH0hSI/AAAAAAAAGSY/HSEBcl5Ay9A/s1600/IMG_9729_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCHSB1CywCo/Ua_9tlH0hSI/AAAAAAAAGSY/HSEBcl5Ay9A/s640/IMG_9729_0001.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing "I love you" to his baby sister.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dN-BQTUrrI/Ua_9uizxW3I/AAAAAAAAGSo/cXP6zdVsfoc/s1600/IMG_9740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dN-BQTUrrI/Ua_9uizxW3I/AAAAAAAAGSo/cXP6zdVsfoc/s640/IMG_9740.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Baby Girl got her big brother a present...a camera to snap pictures of her :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgbfXOu8h2Y/Ua_9v_ZC5yI/AAAAAAAAGS4/hipowpmp-VY/s1600/IMG_9773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgbfXOu8h2Y/Ua_9v_ZC5yI/AAAAAAAAGS4/hipowpmp-VY/s640/IMG_9773.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6yjd2CgtGA/Ua_9uQNDr0I/AAAAAAAAGSI/IXdtUOY_ymg/s1600/IMG_9735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6yjd2CgtGA/Ua_9uQNDr0I/AAAAAAAAGSI/IXdtUOY_ymg/s640/IMG_9735.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We were blessed with so many sweet visitors that came &nbsp;to hold and love on our precious little lady.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESL89DoucZE/Ua_9vZodavI/AAAAAAAAGSg/m6lP-QF-83g/s1600/IMG_9761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESL89DoucZE/Ua_9vZodavI/AAAAAAAAGSg/m6lP-QF-83g/s640/IMG_9761.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Wynni and her new obsession.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GG8lh5Y3lNM/Ua_9uyrwJwI/AAAAAAAAGS0/cmKqhLhhRJs/s1600/IMG_9760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GG8lh5Y3lNM/Ua_9uyrwJwI/AAAAAAAAGS0/cmKqhLhhRJs/s640/IMG_9760.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Aunt"&nbsp;<a href="http://dailydelivered.blogspot.com/">Sessa</a> and "Uncle" Phil were sweet enough to bring a cupcake <br />and other goodies for her birthday party. :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsNrn4ViXKI/Ua_9wWIOJbI/AAAAAAAAGTI/tyodYFXTW-0/s1600/IMG_9826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsNrn4ViXKI/Ua_9wWIOJbI/AAAAAAAAGTI/tyodYFXTW-0/s640/IMG_9826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JimPop and Uncle Ricky {who drove in from Tifton, GA just to visit for a couple of hours}</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVhnvB9CO-8/Ua_9wtzIPRI/AAAAAAAAGS8/7b-NQrGH5SY/s1600/IMG_9827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVhnvB9CO-8/Ua_9wtzIPRI/AAAAAAAAGS8/7b-NQrGH5SY/s640/IMG_9827.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Aunt" Samantha</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FkhucEb9Gs/Ua_9xCnILwI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/R0tEXmpavsw/s1600/IMG_9830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FkhucEb9Gs/Ua_9xCnILwI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/R0tEXmpavsw/s640/IMG_9830.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blythe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBgz7KVCPig/Ua_9xqcGmuI/AAAAAAAAGTk/zxv5oFZlrqk/s1600/IMG_9834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBgz7KVCPig/Ua_9xqcGmuI/AAAAAAAAGTk/zxv5oFZlrqk/s640/IMG_9834.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary, Beth, Tara, and Samantha</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We enjoyed the hospital stay this time...much more so than three years ago when I delivered Brody. &nbsp;This time we were wiser. This time we sent the baby to the nursery at night to sleep, only to be brought back for her feedings every couple of hours. Yes, this time we knew to get as much rest as possible because once we went home it was game time!<br /><br />We spent those next couple of days trying to decide on what to name our little "Baby Girl." &nbsp;Every time a nurse or doctor came in to check on us, they would ask us if we had decided on a name. "Not yet," we would say. &nbsp;They laughed. &nbsp;We panicked. &nbsp;We just couldn't figure out her name and we knew we had to decide before they would let us leave...<br /><br />{To be continued}<br /><br />Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-82944099119833120242013-06-04T00:24:00.002-05:002013-06-04T10:53:12.404-05:00Back in the Saddle AgainWow! I am so glad that I blog from home, in my spare time {as if I had some}, on my own terms...Because let me just clarify that if I worked in the corporate world right now I would be F-I-R-E-D! &nbsp;Unless, of course, corporate America is now allowing for a maternity leave that lasts as long as it takes to cook a fully developed baby.<br /><br />I cannot believe {yes, I can} that it has taken me over 9 months to get back on this horse! What is wrong with me that it takes me 9 whole months to recover {enough} from the shock of adding a new baby in the home?!<br /><br />I would like to tell you that it's because I am an amazing mom that spends oodles of time playing peek-a-boo with my {semi}newborn while simultaneously crafting the latest thing on Pinterest with my pre-schooler&nbsp;<i>and</i>&nbsp;preparing a gourmet meal in the oven that will *ding* just as my husband walks through the door from work.<br /><br /><i>Actually, I would love it very much to be able to tell you that!&nbsp;</i><br /><br />But, the truth is, I've just been struggling to survive and learning how to do life with two children. {Go ahead and laugh, Michelle Duggar. I'll give you a moment...Ptsh!...I'll give you 19 moments. Who's counting?!}<br /><br />And even though I'm technically still just surviving and far from thriving as a mother of two, I think it's time for me to force myself to write again. I've missed so many wonderful moments already. Well, you've missed them...I've just forgotten them.<br /><br />So, I'm back. Back to blogging.<br /><br />Get excited!<br /><br /><i>Seriously.</i><br /><br /><br /><br />*Be on the lookout for Baby Girl's birth story this week and a special {free printables!} post about Brody's 4th birthday party to follow shortly after!*<br /><br /><br />Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-88539818951635740852012-08-29T12:25:00.000-05:002013-08-12T00:32:56.206-05:00Our Maternity Session {32 weeks}Things have really been crazy around here and I've totally abandoned ship. Oops!<br /><br />But I realized the other day that I'd better at least get on here and post my maternity session pictures before Baby Girl makes her debut because once she does I know that &nbsp;no one will be interested in the belly shots! :) &nbsp;And since I am 38 weeks as of last Sunday, time is running out!<br /><br />We had an amazing session with Katharine from <a href="http://www.capturinghope.com/">Capturing Hope</a> here in Atlanta about six weeks ago. &nbsp;I could not be happier with how things turned out...especially for her unbeatable {seriously} prices!!! If you live in the North Atlanta area I would HIGHLY recommend using her. &nbsp;I could go on and on, but I'd rather just show you some of my favorite photos from the session. <br /><i><br /></i> <i>Warning: There are many photos to follow as it was hard to pick favorites. &nbsp;Katharine gave us not one, but two CDs full of photos from our time together! &nbsp;I did my best to narrow them down...</i><br /><i><br /></i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQLPhCiBums/UD5IHsYo_EI/AAAAAAAAGIw/H6X4p4HupoE/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQLPhCiBums/UD5IHsYo_EI/AAAAAAAAGIw/H6X4p4HupoE/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fc4L3yTuGq4/UD5IDNVvCAI/AAAAAAAAGIA/ROrs8jnMYNM/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fc4L3yTuGq4/UD5IDNVvCAI/AAAAAAAAGIA/ROrs8jnMYNM/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0011.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uH1EhG0dH2w/UD5IE8kK_zI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/VbeCBTGwIMU/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uH1EhG0dH2w/UD5IE8kK_zI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/VbeCBTGwIMU/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hPzXr_xGqU/UD5IJhehjVI/AAAAAAAAGJM/d5rd_Rz70N4/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hPzXr_xGqU/UD5IJhehjVI/AAAAAAAAGJM/d5rd_Rz70N4/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AO5tUed6j-c/UD5IJJPuP-I/AAAAAAAAGJE/8DSwOIFAS2U/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AO5tUed6j-c/UD5IJJPuP-I/AAAAAAAAGJE/8DSwOIFAS2U/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rAb_X6Vdps/UD5IISZAPsI/AAAAAAAAGI8/RAiTQzNvE-A/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rAb_X6Vdps/UD5IISZAPsI/AAAAAAAAGI8/RAiTQzNvE-A/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0019.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv3wI3HUea0/UD5IJ81W_AI/AAAAAAAAGJU/jSMzxxlsbRs/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv3wI3HUea0/UD5IJ81W_AI/AAAAAAAAGJU/jSMzxxlsbRs/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0022.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jTd2fyvg5c/UD5IME9DnrI/AAAAAAAAGKI/mo2uZ0Y6xco/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jTd2fyvg5c/UD5IME9DnrI/AAAAAAAAGKI/mo2uZ0Y6xco/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0027.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrElsGHtpuQ/UD5IFypwSsI/AAAAAAAAGIY/oSbsRPjof2U/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrElsGHtpuQ/UD5IFypwSsI/AAAAAAAAGIY/oSbsRPjof2U/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0014.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0vLkxaKIS4/UD5IGSdmHII/AAAAAAAAGIg/P2UuuPcbhZg/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0vLkxaKIS4/UD5IGSdmHII/AAAAAAAAGIg/P2UuuPcbhZg/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0015.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWinOs6jxbU/UD5IG-cZhMI/AAAAAAAAGIo/0e3OQ8XG9OM/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWinOs6jxbU/UD5IG-cZhMI/AAAAAAAAGIo/0e3OQ8XG9OM/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0016.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0TrEwokLpY/UD5IMmQH0GI/AAAAAAAAGKA/yR6dNnVwtuM/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0TrEwokLpY/UD5IMmQH0GI/AAAAAAAAGKA/yR6dNnVwtuM/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90yAeM_Vmmo/UD5IKWgN_HI/AAAAAAAAGJc/cJN_X5W4CIw/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90yAeM_Vmmo/UD5IKWgN_HI/AAAAAAAAGJc/cJN_X5W4CIw/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epBO4SDABes/UD5ILpr0NBI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/4M8U8itO-ik/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epBO4SDABes/UD5ILpr0NBI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/4M8U8itO-ik/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0026.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_A_HWtQ9Sw/UD5ILRYwbQI/AAAAAAAAGJs/wX-mr8_vPRs/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_A_HWtQ9Sw/UD5ILRYwbQI/AAAAAAAAGJs/wX-mr8_vPRs/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaFSrv2anGc/UD5IK9LBMFI/AAAAAAAAGJk/N9f_CNes_T4/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaFSrv2anGc/UD5IK9LBMFI/AAAAAAAAGJk/N9f_CNes_T4/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgcu5mz8g08/UD5H_rU79FI/AAAAAAAAGHA/TcqB5kyQp8k/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgcu5mz8g08/UD5H_rU79FI/AAAAAAAAGHA/TcqB5kyQp8k/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0003.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQuSnSaFAkk/UD5IB2OiLCI/AAAAAAAAGH0/rP2WTvRFU3k/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQuSnSaFAkk/UD5IB2OiLCI/AAAAAAAAGH0/rP2WTvRFU3k/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoatLFmE8mI/UD5IAqeIDVI/AAAAAAAAGHc/hhNjwHWHQGo/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoatLFmE8mI/UD5IAqeIDVI/AAAAAAAAGHc/hhNjwHWHQGo/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0006.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzZc0mEHxl8/UD5ICqeKF1I/AAAAAAAAGH8/s3uo4qJNR4w/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzZc0mEHxl8/UD5ICqeKF1I/AAAAAAAAGH8/s3uo4qJNR4w/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PmNFOzW_wI/UD5H-Ce_1MI/AAAAAAAAGGo/ceFw5J-zaRE/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PmNFOzW_wI/UD5H-Ce_1MI/AAAAAAAAGGo/ceFw5J-zaRE/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJfIQKORSc/UD5H-RceTHI/AAAAAAAAGG4/CLEGXs2nf3s/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJfIQKORSc/UD5H-RceTHI/AAAAAAAAGG4/CLEGXs2nf3s/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhkttDSR6rY/UD5H_ypstzI/AAAAAAAAGHI/UTBuwf9IYk4/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhkttDSR6rY/UD5H_ypstzI/AAAAAAAAGHI/UTBuwf9IYk4/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0004.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8y6dVhKdVCk/UD5IANGfHCI/AAAAAAAAGHU/LtL9FuOAznA/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8y6dVhKdVCk/UD5IANGfHCI/AAAAAAAAGHU/LtL9FuOAznA/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iXiucRt8m0/UD5ISffOZLI/AAAAAAAAGLs/O-_GFMX94t0/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iXiucRt8m0/UD5ISffOZLI/AAAAAAAAGLs/O-_GFMX94t0/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxH5fVUxfGY/UD5IUSACXFI/AAAAAAAAGMU/i-nD9gVNRAY/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxH5fVUxfGY/UD5IUSACXFI/AAAAAAAAGMU/i-nD9gVNRAY/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YT5Scddoq5s/UD5IVe1uHRI/AAAAAAAAGMc/PbyadeceYuk/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YT5Scddoq5s/UD5IVe1uHRI/AAAAAAAAGMc/PbyadeceYuk/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0048.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgRrz3AyiYE/UD5ISjJWSSI/AAAAAAAAGL0/Mlz7xmBfs1g/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgRrz3AyiYE/UD5ISjJWSSI/AAAAAAAAGL0/Mlz7xmBfs1g/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0042.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZIlsTloFXA/UD5IVKbXHjI/AAAAAAAAGMo/5hOKziAdrTg/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZIlsTloFXA/UD5IVKbXHjI/AAAAAAAAGMo/5hOKziAdrTg/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0047.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAU0rNm4-F8/UD5IWCngCDI/AAAAAAAAGMw/vfZX7T0THpw/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ST6gRg0zVwM/UD5IV9a9GdI/AAAAAAAAGNA/WdsHLw2c4nY/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ST6gRg0zVwM/UD5IV9a9GdI/AAAAAAAAGNA/WdsHLw2c4nY/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0049.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s19VfyKxNZo/UD5ITGQ4fMI/AAAAAAAAGL8/3wDqx7GgJ6k/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s19VfyKxNZo/UD5ITGQ4fMI/AAAAAAAAGL8/3wDqx7GgJ6k/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0043.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oK9uzPK8pZY/UD5IQIBfyVI/AAAAAAAAGLE/INikUrBtkWU/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbkprW6eNOA/UD5IRg1UIJI/AAAAAAAAGLc/oj6q4tLbGvs/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbkprW6eNOA/UD5IRg1UIJI/AAAAAAAAGLc/oj6q4tLbGvs/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm61fG02Pyo/UD5IQvqvldI/AAAAAAAAGLM/5ywTOmnYkjk/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm61fG02Pyo/UD5IQvqvldI/AAAAAAAAGLM/5ywTOmnYkjk/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezKFCd34m20/UD5H8QEanOI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/okh5EzNHYi4/s640/DSC_0243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtZF76uZwYI/UD5INxz3tHI/AAAAAAAAGKY/HAEBmWG8w30/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtZF76uZwYI/UD5INxz3tHI/AAAAAAAAGKY/HAEBmWG8w30/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0031.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQv1wcuyI1o/UD5IOEDcNWI/AAAAAAAAGKg/RmZkcgQyWuM/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQv1wcuyI1o/UD5IOEDcNWI/AAAAAAAAGKg/RmZkcgQyWuM/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0032.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxGzB1BIwKE/UD5IPg9n9QI/AAAAAAAAGKw/GVpUbrbKzDg/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxGzB1BIwKE/UD5IPg9n9QI/AAAAAAAAGKw/GVpUbrbKzDg/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6bMyAmyUoo/UD5IRLgHzCI/AAAAAAAAGLU/LEeVzL9R-Ko/s1600/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6bMyAmyUoo/UD5IRLgHzCI/AAAAAAAAGLU/LEeVzL9R-Ko/s640/Baby+Girl+Maternity+Photos_0038.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoA9mbHIOhU/UD5H7FK_tVI/AAAAAAAAGF4/JZ87Bop-5js/s1600/427492_442692309096678_1916509902_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoA9mbHIOhU/UD5H7FK_tVI/AAAAAAAAGF4/JZ87Bop-5js/s640/427492_442692309096678_1916509902_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />A very special THANK YOU to Katharine from...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capturinghope.com/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Llpi4Nciwc/UD5IXrNguYI/AAAAAAAAGNE/qCjTWna0JwU/s1600/web-logo-tall.jpg" title="" /></a></div><i><br /></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><a href="http://parentingbydummies.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="parenting BY dummies" src="http://parentingbydummies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/button125.jpg" /><br /></a><a href="http://www.projectalicia.com/" target="”_blank”"><img src="http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo34/iowalish/wwbrown175x175.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.jennifromtheblog.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/2jae260.png" /></a><a href="http://gowersfam.blogspot.com//" target="_blank"><img alt=" bree his honey and her mama " height="125" src=" http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m543/breeellen/blogbutton_edited-1.jpg " width="125" /></a><a href="http://sarahhalstead.com/category/wordless-wednesday/" title="" target="_blank"><img src="http://sarahhalstead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/wordlesswednesday-copy.jpg" alt="" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://angryjuliemonday.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a223/huladance/5830461900_a843618ab2_o.gif" alt="Angry Julie Monday"/></a>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-7124893399487334602012-08-10T06:30:00.000-05:002012-08-10T06:30:04.123-05:00Oh Snap!shots of the Week {42}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6"><a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg"/></a></textarea></form></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If this is your first time linking up you can check out the details about this party <a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/p/oh-snapshots-of-week.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">******************************************************<br /><br />I apologize for missing last week's Oh Snap! party. &nbsp;And I'm very sorry it's not the first time I've been MIA for our Friday link-up. &nbsp;It's getting closer and closer to Baby Girl's due date, so life is getting crazier by the day. &nbsp;I'm trying to hang in there as long as I can to keep these parties going, but I must admit it's getting tough with all the last minute preparations going on around here. &nbsp;At some point I will have to put these parties on hold for a few weeks, and I truly hope you will all just hang in there until I return. &nbsp;But, for now, let's get on with this week's party. I will continue to keep you posted each week and let you know when the time comes to take a hiatus. &nbsp;Thanks so much for being here each and every week!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> Last week's "people's choice" favorite photo came from <a href="http://www.findingserendipity.com/1440-4-tips-for-a-happy-marriage-and-your-captured-moments-of-beauty/">Finding Serendipity</a> and was accompanied by 21 great tips on keeping a happy marriage. &nbsp;The sun bokeh in this photo is just beautiful. <br /><i>{Unfortunately, I have yet to receive permissions from the talented photographer but will re-post this photo once I have received them. Until then, be sure to visit her blog}&nbsp;</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRGMJQb9sf8/UCSYYYsLIyI/AAAAAAAAGEo/LNAVa-DSHeo/s1600/98eae2d9-6fff-4f24-95d4-bd240941a189_thumb_BR_50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRGMJQb9sf8/UCSYYYsLIyI/AAAAAAAAGEo/LNAVa-DSHeo/s200/98eae2d9-6fff-4f24-95d4-bd240941a189_thumb_BR_50.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Photography by Patricia at <a href="http://www.findingserendipity.com/1440-4-tips-for-a-happy-marriage-and-your-captured-moments-of-beauty/">Finding Serendipity</a><br /><br /><b>Patricia, this badge is for you!</b><br /><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg"/></a></textarea></form></div><br /><div>This&nbsp;next photo was my favorite from our last party. It just makes me excited for all the&nbsp;girlishness&nbsp;that is sure to overtake our home very soon! &nbsp;Plus, it's another beautiful use of bokeh.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSiNXGWBaLY/UCScEz3gz7I/AAAAAAAAGFE/cA465MsvRHE/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSiNXGWBaLY/UCScEz3gz7I/AAAAAAAAGFE/cA465MsvRHE/s640/12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Photography by Jill at <a href="http://babyboomerlaughline.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-new-baby-in-family.html">This is Life</a><br /><br /><b>Jill, this badge is for you!</b><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg"/></a></textarea></form></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be sure to check back here at Happily Mother After this week...I'm posting some of my favorite photos from our maternity session. &nbsp;Here's just a little sneak peak...</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aerBiCSxBkQ/UCSeGkn-6eI/AAAAAAAAGFU/1zZsYTdDTt0/s1600/427492_442692309096678_1916509902_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aerBiCSxBkQ/UCSeGkn-6eI/AAAAAAAAGFU/1zZsYTdDTt0/s640/427492_442692309096678_1916509902_n+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography by Katharine at <a href="http://www.capturinghope.com/">Capturing Hope</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=140745&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=152957" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/Blog%20Buttons/BlackCCSquare.jpg" /></a></span></div></div></div><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=158167" type="text/javascript"></script><br />Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-75762340176892987372012-07-30T07:00:00.000-05:002012-07-30T07:00:03.295-05:00HMA is Looking for {Crafty} Guest Bloggers!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Classifieds</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Looking for a few guest bloggers this December. Must be crafty. Must love Christmas. Must be original. Must be willing to share.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Are you the one for me? If so, please email me at {happilymotherafter@gmail.com}.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVK_c6Bhd1E/UBX7Z0nHyII/AAAAAAAAGD8/gAB9EHVdEOw/s1600/12+Crafty+Days+of+Christmas+Button+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVK_c6Bhd1E/UBX7Z0nHyII/AAAAAAAAGD8/gAB9EHVdEOw/s400/12+Crafty+Days+of+Christmas+Button+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>{Take a look at last year's Twelve Crafty Days of Christmas <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/p/12-crafty-days-of-christmas.html">here</a>}</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-47643037421895754532012-07-27T06:30:00.000-05:002012-07-27T06:30:08.023-05:00Oh Snap!shots of the Week {41}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If this is your first time linking up you can check out the details about this party <a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/p/oh-snapshots-of-week.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">******************************************************<br /><br />Last week's "people's choice" favorite was this night shot. &nbsp;Yes, believe it or not, this photo was taken at night! I, for one, am impressed because I have yet to venture out of my comfort zone to figure out how to get great photos after the sun sets. &nbsp;Good for you, Sarah, for getting out there and practicing! Nice job!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcNOfXUgtw/UBHuxm2ed2I/AAAAAAAAGCc/bbKWlzYkd_M/s1600/DSC_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcNOfXUgtw/UBHuxm2ed2I/AAAAAAAAGCc/bbKWlzYkd_M/s640/DSC_6005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography by Sarah at <a href="http://fromsarahscamera.blogspot.ca/2012/07/into-night.html">Sarah's Camera</a></span><br /><br /><b>Sarah, this badge is for you!</b><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite photo was of this cute little puppy named Tramp. &nbsp;How appropriate, right?! &nbsp;I just love the look in his eyes in this particular photo.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEsmp5LOwFQ/UBH-BKoqX9I/AAAAAAAAGCo/okNwO5XRaQs/s1600/IMG_8674W.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEsmp5LOwFQ/UBH-BKoqX9I/AAAAAAAAGCo/okNwO5XRaQs/s640/IMG_8674W.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography by Naomi at <a href="http://naomicostalesphotography.blogspot.com/2012/07/tramp.html">Naomi Costales Photography</a></span><br /><br /><b>Naomi, this badge is for you!</b><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />Is this kid not one of the cutest kids you've ever seen?! I'm loving this photo of his "Thor" impression. &nbsp;That's why I had to feature this photo by one of our newbies to the party!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3j447iURSK4/UBH_DH8O6VI/AAAAAAAAGCw/U8iu3e5w-MM/s1600/DSC_3001a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3j447iURSK4/UBH_DH8O6VI/AAAAAAAAGCw/U8iu3e5w-MM/s640/DSC_3001a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography by Melissa at <a href="http://geoffandmelissa.blogspot.com/2012/07/oh-snap.html">The Missionary Mama</a></span><br /><br /><b>Melissa, this badge is for you!</b><br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/vintagecamera-2-1.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;<textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/vintagecamera-2-1.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br />I already shared my favorite photo of the week {found in <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2012/07/trail-mix-what-weve-been-up-to-lately.html">this post</a>} but it really is one of very few taken this week since this is pretty much all we've been up to! &nbsp;It was taken with my iPhone, so not the best quality...but still a keeper!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_I1tV_iGbOg/UBIARUz3fEI/AAAAAAAAGC4/pM_7xxbcyQI/s1600/img_0903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_I1tV_iGbOg/UBIARUz3fEI/AAAAAAAAGC4/pM_7xxbcyQI/s640/img_0903.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=140745&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=152957" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/Blog%20Buttons/BlackCCSquare.jpg" /></a></span></div></div></div><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=156057" type="text/javascript"></script>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-7071310597639050672012-07-25T22:46:00.001-05:002013-08-12T00:32:56.198-05:00{Vlog} Crazy Baby MovementsEvery time I go to the doctor/midwife {which is a lot these days}, one of the first questions they always ask me is, "Are you feeling the baby move?"<br /><br /><i>Ummm...I think so...Does it count if I'm seeing limbs?</i><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f8WNHv2YXps" width="560"></iframe></center><center><br /></center><center>{Just in case you don't understand the angle...you're looking at the left side of my baby bump.}</center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.jennifromtheblog.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/2jae260.png" /></a></center>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-81356891167886467012012-07-24T21:31:00.000-05:002013-08-12T00:32:56.203-05:00Trail Mix {What We've Been Up to Lately}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvtL4thabo8/UA9RtG_TOaI/AAAAAAAAGCU/HIZB-rNgkN0/s1600/img_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvtL4thabo8/UA9RtG_TOaI/AAAAAAAAGCU/HIZB-rNgkN0/s400/img_0904.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">33 weeks and counting...</td></tr></tbody></table>Since my <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2012/07/nesting-is-understatement.html">"nesting" post</a> a few weeks ago, things have not been going as planned. &nbsp;I haven't been able to cross as many things off my list as I had hoped to at this point in my pregnancy. &nbsp;But, with the frustration of things yet to be completed comes the realization that everything on my list doesn't <i>have</i> to be done...I just <i>wanted</i> it all done. &nbsp;So, I readjusted my expectations and prioritized my list to the very basics. &nbsp;{Well, truth be told, my list on paper only includes the very basics, but my mind is still holding onto the "but if we get all that done before she comes then we can do this..." mentality.} <br /><br />So to help with the pent up&nbsp;frustration&nbsp;that comes with the "so much to do, so little time" scenario I found myself in, I have been spending a lot of time at the trail near our home. &nbsp;Jonathan goes with me every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night; and I go with friends or alone {with Brody} on the other days. &nbsp;It helps to relieve stress, and I'm hoping it will make for an easier labor and delivery in a few short weeks. <br /><br />My exercise of choice has always been running, so it was hard for me to slow down and accept walking as a good enough form of exercising. &nbsp;I still try to get a little jogging in here and there, but it is definitely getting harder as Baby Girl continues to grow and put pressure on my bladder. &nbsp;If it weren't for the awful feeling of needing to get to a restroom STAT every time I'm upright, I'm sure I would be jogging a lot more. <br /><br />So, I've surrendered {for the most part} to walking and biking for exercise. &nbsp;Brody sure has enjoying the biking...whether it be riding with Daddy on his bike...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lIpDSK2WVI/UA9RrqwPrvI/AAAAAAAAGCE/vwl3kwpOE3Q/s1600/img_0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lIpDSK2WVI/UA9RrqwPrvI/AAAAAAAAGCE/vwl3kwpOE3Q/s640/img_0866.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">or taking hold of the reigns on his <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2011/06/balance-bike.html">balance bike</a>.</div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2NwPu4UbQs/UA9Rs-WmqiI/AAAAAAAAGCM/o8R8t8ZgPsE/s1600/img_0903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2NwPu4UbQs/UA9Rs-WmqiI/AAAAAAAAGCM/o8R8t8ZgPsE/s640/img_0903.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Going for a ride on his balance bike has become one of his favorite pastimes, and one we do quite often. &nbsp;He has improved by leaps and bounds over the past few weeks since we dusted it off and gave it a go again {previously,&nbsp;he was too scared to really ride it more than about a hundred feet or so}. &nbsp; He has learned to pick up speed and get his balance so that he can lift up his legs for a considerable amount of time. &nbsp;It's really quite impressive to see and I'm thinking he will be riding a true bike before we know it!<br /><br />So, for now, that's what we've been up to. &nbsp;Well, that and slowly checking a few things off our to-do list...such as making Brody's new big boy bed and taking maternity photos. &nbsp;But more on that another day.<br /><br />Oh! And, as for Baby Girl's name...we still haven't decided. &nbsp;We've pretty much given up on checking that off of our list before she comes. &nbsp;We figure we will name her when we meet her. &nbsp;It's not the way I would have planned it, but I guess it's just one of God's many ways to remind me not to get too attached to plans.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.two-in-diapers.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Gracie%20Marie/mommybrain-mixer200.png" /></a></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-47014860926138294692012-07-20T08:35:00.000-05:002012-07-24T21:32:09.131-05:00Oh Snap!shots of the Week {40}Well, my Internet is down this week and my only connection to the outside world is through my iPhone...making it very difficult to post this week's party. The best I can do is extend the link-up from last week's party. So, please feel free to add your favorite photos below and we will have one big awards party next week. Thanks for understanding. I can't wait to see what you guys have been up to lately! <br /><br />Happy Friday!<br /><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=154189" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-53675065624037083762012-07-13T10:31:00.003-05:002012-07-13T10:33:53.074-05:00Oh Snap!shots of the Week {39}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If this is your first time linking up you can check out the details about this party <a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/p/oh-snapshots-of-week.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">******************************************************<br /><br />We had some amazing photos linked up at last week's party. I hope you had a chance to check them out. &nbsp;Case in point...the most voted for photo from the party. &nbsp;Y'all picked this magical sand dune photo as your favorite, and I wasn't surprised in the least bit. This was one beautiful photo!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGStItwTaZw/UAA5OIfkPgI/AAAAAAAAGB0/jiGQq2OFzv0/s1600/Dunes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGStItwTaZw/UAA5OIfkPgI/AAAAAAAAGB0/jiGQq2OFzv0/s640/Dunes4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography by Mona at <a href="http://monaspicturesque.blogspot.fi/2012/07/over-dunes.html">Mona's Picturesque</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mona, this badge is for you!&nbsp;</b></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought this photo by one of our newbies was also a brilliant shot. &nbsp;{Tara is a newbie to the bloggy world too, so be sure to stop by her blog and show some love!} &nbsp;The ladybug is so clear in this shot that it looks&nbsp;</span>photo-shopped<span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;into the picture. But, as clear as the ladybug is, the photo would have not had the same affect if it weren't for that cool dude in the yellow sunglasses checking it out as if he were a croc on the hunt.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySF-gj14vhs/UAA5L4bInrI/AAAAAAAAGBs/W6KsrPpO_-w/s1600/i_see_you____by_tara730-d55loc0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySF-gj14vhs/UAA5L4bInrI/AAAAAAAAGBs/W6KsrPpO_-w/s640/i_see_you____by_tara730-d55loc0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography by Tara at <a href="http://daisypath-photography.blogspot.com/p/about.html">Daisy Path</a></span><br /><br /><b>Tara, this badge is for you!</b><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a few fireworks photos linked up last week as well</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. &nbsp;They were all beautiful but this one was my favorite of the batch. To be honest though, I was impressed by everyone's fireworks photos last week because I have never been able to capture the essence of the 'works quite like they did. I need someone to post a tutorial on capturing fireworks! Isn't this photo amazing?!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU9ZVweQHRM/UAA5Jg2tPkI/AAAAAAAAGBk/ssVbnLU8OLs/s1600/blogDSC_9088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU9ZVweQHRM/UAA5Jg2tPkI/AAAAAAAAGBk/ssVbnLU8OLs/s640/blogDSC_9088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography by Sarah at <a href="http://sarahhalstead.com/photography/friday-firework-fun/">The Naptime Momtog</a></span><br /><br /><b>Sarah, this badge is for you!</b><br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/vintagecamera-2-1.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;<textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/vintagecamera-2-1.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can't wait to see what you guys link up this week!!! Y'all impress me each and every time!</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />Also, be sure to <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2012/07/please-help-us-name-our-baby-girl.html">vote for your favorite name for our baby girl</a> if you haven't done so already. The poll closes today {Friday}!<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=140745&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=152957" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/Blog%20Buttons/BlackCCSquare.jpg" /></a></span><br /><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=154189" type="text/javascript"></script></div></div></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-91544210990054417242012-07-06T09:35:00.001-05:002012-07-06T10:01:58.326-05:00Oh Snap!shots of the Week {38}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_25276073.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If this is your first time linking up you can check out the details about this party <a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/p/oh-snapshots-of-week.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">******************************************************<br /><br />Welcome back to Oh Snap!shots of the Week! &nbsp;First off, I owe you guys an apology. &nbsp;I am so sorry to skip out last week without warning and without explanation. &nbsp;The week just got away from me; and, to be quite honest, things are getting pretty crazy around here as D-day quickly approaches. &nbsp;I'll blame it in part to mommy brain forgetfulness and partly to being overly busy with <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2012/07/nesting-is-understatement.html">all the nesting going on</a> in our household. &nbsp;So, please forgive me for being unexpectedly absent last week. &nbsp;For this week's party we will just pick up where we left off two weeks ago.</span><br /><br /><br />The "people's choice" favorite photo of the week goes to this beauty taken in Peru by one of our loyals to the party. &nbsp;This picture is absolutely breathtaking, so I can only imagine how it must have felt to view this scene in person. Wow! &nbsp;You are one lucky girl, Jaymi!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZPc53xP3iE/T_bxFOsjsTI/AAAAAAAAGBE/7MwhEB0WXGA/s1600/7328536874_70e24108f0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZPc53xP3iE/T_bxFOsjsTI/AAAAAAAAGBE/7MwhEB0WXGA/s640/7328536874_70e24108f0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Photography by Jaymi at <a href="http://jaymiblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/peru-part-4-machu-picchu.html">Live, Love, Travel</a><br /><br /><b>Jaymi, this badge is for you!</b><br /><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-3.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><br /><div>My personal favorite from our previous party was this adorable photo taken in a children's museum of all places. &nbsp;Let me tell you, I've never had a photo turn out this beautiful from our children's museum. &nbsp;The lighting is absolutely perfect and captures the wonder of a young child so nicely.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJJ11zQpeFk/T_byenFLZ8I/AAAAAAAAGBM/wJldQgsQh0c/s1600/MG_7496-Edit-819x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJJ11zQpeFk/T_byenFLZ8I/AAAAAAAAGBM/wJldQgsQh0c/s640/MG_7496-Edit-819x1024.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>Photography by Gina from <a href="http://www.mychocolatepeaces.com/2012/06/13/paint-with-light-snapshots/">My Chocolate Peaces</a><br /><br /><b>Gina, this badge is for you!</b><br /><a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><form><textarea cols="20" rows="6">&lt;a href="http://happilymotherafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img alt="Happily Mother After" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/il_430xN_252760731-6.jpg"/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</textarea></form></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite from last week wouldn't win me an award, but it sure does make me smile.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3NFmzf57M/T_b1t2zj_lI/AAAAAAAAGBY/9pjdhgbpYb8/s1600/img_9518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3NFmzf57M/T_b1t2zj_lI/AAAAAAAAGBY/9pjdhgbpYb8/s640/img_9518.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brody had a play date with his friend, Grace, last week at Catch Air. &nbsp;This photo was taken after they played for two hours which is why Brody looks like a hot mess! &nbsp;They bounced their little hearts out in the bounce houses and shook their little booties on the dance floor. &nbsp;They had a great time getting out all of their energy while us moms got a chance to sit down, relax, and catch up.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brody adores his friend Grace and I sure do love her Mommy to pieces. &nbsp;We are blessed with amazing friends!</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">*************************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=140745&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=152957" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/lauren2707/Blog%20Buttons/BlackCCSquare.jpg" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">***BY THE WAY...If you have a moment, please vote for your favorite name {We need help <a href="http://www.happilymotherafter.com/2012/07/please-help-us-name-our-baby-girl.html">naming our baby</a> girl!} using the poll located in the top left sidebar. &nbsp;We'd really appreciate your opinion!***</span></b></div></div></div><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=153180" type="text/javascript"></script>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-1544494534788303322012-07-05T05:30:00.000-05:002013-08-12T00:32:56.184-05:00Please Help Us Name Our Baby Girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7KddqyZy2c/T_UUbKBarQI/AAAAAAAAF_o/IHe0GPUTE0s/s1600/img_9208_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7KddqyZy2c/T_UUbKBarQI/AAAAAAAAF_o/IHe0GPUTE0s/s640/img_9208_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />HELP!!!<br /><div><br /></div><div>With less than 10 weeks left in this pregnancy we are running out of time! &nbsp;We cannot decide on a name for our sweet baby girl due September 9th! {Have I ever mentioned we are&nbsp;<b>the</b>&nbsp;<b>worst</b>&nbsp;at making decisions?!?}&nbsp;</div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">My hubby suggested that I post a poll here at Happily Mother After since all of you can give us your unbiased opinions. &nbsp;For that reason, I don't want to explain any further about the names we chose as our top two choices. &nbsp;Please, just take a moment to let us know which one is your favorite &nbsp;by choosing one of the names&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white;">{Karis or Ellie}&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white;">from the poll found in the top left sidebar. &nbsp;</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Please help! &nbsp;I'm running out of precious monogramming time!!!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Disclaimer: I can't promise we will choose the name with the most votes, but it will certainly help us!&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;:)</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918512804336696544.post-69042818489724821102012-07-03T15:01:00.002-05:002012-07-06T14:53:00.752-05:00Brodyville:: A City of Masking Tape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExucGGzBUsg/T_NJTWBk0XI/AAAAAAAAF_c/9XfxP5pkZE4/s1600/img_9524_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExucGGzBUsg/T_NJTWBk0XI/AAAAAAAAF_c/9XfxP5pkZE4/s400/img_9524_0001.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />While I'm in the process of turning the formal living room into a playroom for Brody and his {soon-to-be} Baby Sister, I decided to use the empty floor space as a blank canvas to create a little something we like to call Brodyville.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFRFitCH6Aw/T_NIS2QA0oI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/TUJVRo5Qc4E/s1600/img_9523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFRFitCH6Aw/T_NIS2QA0oI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/TUJVRo5Qc4E/s640/img_9523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's a little road system I made on the floor with masking tape. &nbsp;It began as just a roadway for Brody to drive his cars around, but it quickly turned into a full-on city as Brody continued to ask questions such as, "Where is the hospital?" and "Where do the cars live?"<br /><br />This is what we came up with...<br /><br /><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">1. Publix::</span>&nbsp;</b>His favorite place to go in real-life. &nbsp;He loves riding in the shopping carts that Publix cleverly&nbsp;turned&nbsp;into race cars. &nbsp;He literally asks three times a day if we can go to Publix. He has a hard time pronouncing Publix though, so it sounds more like "Pug Licks." HaHa! It's too cute to correct!<br /><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>2. Home:: </b></span>This is where his cars "live." &nbsp;Apparently, it was a necessity for his little city.<br /><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">3. The Airport::</span> </b>This is where his airplanes are stationed when not in the air. &nbsp;They each have their own gate to park at and a small runway that's perfect for his take-offs and landings.<br /><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">4. Work:: </span></b>This is where the cars in in his city do business. It's really just a parking lot for them to hang out in when they aren't driving around. &nbsp;Daddy goes to work every day, so the cars needed a place to go every day too.<br /><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>5. The Park:: </b></span>This is where the cars go to have fun when they aren't working or cruising around Brodyville.<br /><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">6. The City Hospital::</span></b> With all of Brody's cars driving around the city, there are sure to be accidents. &nbsp;And when they happen the firetrucks, police cars, and ambulances race to the scene and take those that are injured to the hospital. <br /><br />This city has kept Brody entertained over the past several days while I try to get things done around here. It was a nice change-up from the little carpet we usually roll out to drive his cars on. &nbsp;My concern now is the melt-down that might take place once I'm ready to demolish the city and put some real toys and furniture in his playroom.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">I was inspired by <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/147492956515943500/">this pin</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://practicallyfunctional.net/category/the-fun-in-functional/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Fun In Functional @ Practically Functional" height="150" src="http://practicallyfunctional.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/fun-button.png" title="The Fun In Functional @ Practically Functional" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png" /></a></div><a href="http://www.bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/"><img 0"="" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc418/milton05/newpartybutton-2.jpg" /></a></div>Lauren Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/102958179972330321406noreply@blogger.com5